John A. Weidhass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org
Mimosa Webworm
Homadaula anisocentra (Meyric) The Mimosa Webworm, was introduced from China to the U.S. in the 1940’s. Its larvae spin unsightly gray webs around foliage and feed on it. If undetected the larvae may completely defoliate the host plant.The Mimosa Webworm attacks the leaves of both Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) and honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos).
Initially, the eggs are tiny, oval and pearly white, but turn pink when close to hatching. The larvae vary from gray to brown with five white stripes. The pupae are yellowish-brown and are located in silken cocoons. The adult, rarely seen, is a silver-gray moth with wings that are covered with black dots.
The larvae over-winter as pupae encased in cocoons. They are found under bark on the trunk of the host or in leaf litter under the tree.
The first generation moth lays gray eggs on the leaves of the host. After hatching in early to mid-June, the larvae spin webs around several leaves and feed on the lower surface of the leaflets.
When the larvae pupate in late July through mid-August, a second generation of moths appears. This second generation over-winters.
