Fall webworms form webbed nests at the ends of branches. They are found in sourwood and many other trees species in the Asheville area.
The adult moth lays her eggs on the underside of leaves in 'hair'-covered clusters of a few hundred and they hatch in about a week. They are leaf chewers that can cause trees to look ragged or to be defoliated. The Fall Webworm is considered a pest but although unsightly, does not harm otherwise healthy trees.