Maine State Entomologist Allison Kanoti shared this image with us. Although these two things may appear to be similar – and they were found side by side on a cherry tree – they are actually very different. One involves a destructive invasive species, the other a beloved native species. What are these?
Answer
On the left is a browntail moth web, and on the right a promethea moth cocoon. Kanotis said browntail moth caterpillars “have many tiny, toxic hairs” that can cause rashes and itching in humans. The caterpillars can also harm native species of shrubs and trees. “We encourage awareness this time of year because people often don’t realize they have a problem until the larger caterpillars are wandering, at which point it is too late to implement management,” she said. To learn more about identifying and removing browntail moth webs, visit the state’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry website.
This week’s contest winner was Johanna Stinson