Green inch worms. - Ask Extension
I live in the woods near Sam Lewis State Park. Green inch worms are descending from the trees by the thousands or even millions. It is hard to be ou...
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Green inch worms. #242788
Asked May 08, 2015, 4:18 PM EDT
I live in the woods near Sam Lewis State Park. Green inch worms are descending from the trees by the thousands or even millions. It is hard to be outside with out them gettin all over me. What are they? What damage will they do to the forest I live in? Thanks, Larry Rohm
York County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hi:
These are elm spanworms, which are a native moth. The caterpillars are the immature stage. I was at Rocky Ridge Park in York yesterday and saw them there too. They can cause heavy defoliation. Usually they have a peak year and then are brought in check by predators and parasites.
These are elm spanworms, which are a native moth. The caterpillars are the immature stage. I was at Rocky Ridge Park in York yesterday and saw them there too. They can cause heavy defoliation. Usually they have a peak year and then are brought in check by predators and parasites.
