2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

3 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

This insect is most common on pyracantha.

• Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Shrub

• Common Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa )
• Cranberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster apiculatus)
• Scarlet Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

The damage to the plant is mostly aesthetic. These caterpillars spin a dense silk web around branches and leaves.This webbing/nest catches pieces of leaves as well as the insects' frass (fecal matter). Uglynest caterpillar gets its name from its messy feeding.

Larvae are yellowish green with black heads. They feed and nest in large numbers. Pupation occurs inside the messy web. Adult moths are dull orange and have a wingspan of about 1 inch. Adults emerge from midsummer to early fall, depending on weather. Females lay their eggs in masses in plant stems or trunks during this same time period. Eggs hatch and larvae overwinter.

Physically crushing the nest with the insects inside can help reduce damage. Pruning off newly developing nests in late summer and early spring is also effective. Since actual plant damage is mostly aesthetic, no insectides are usually needed. However many insecticides, both organic and synthetic, are effective if they penetrate the webbing and reach the caterpillars inside.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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