Feeds on almost all fruit, shade, and ornamental trees except conifers. Fall webworm produces two generations per year. Adult moths emerge from overwintering pupa in the spring. The larvae feed in colonies in web enclosed foliage. They begin by constructing small webs near the ends of branches and gradually increase the size of the web as the need for food increases.
Mature caterpillars are yellowish with black and brown markings, and have many tufts of long hair.
Feeding continues for four to six weeks. Mature larvae crawl down the tree and pupate in the litter on the ground. Pupation normally occurs in June with the adults of the second generation appearing in late June to early July. These adults mate and the female lays eggs. Second generation larvae are usually present from late July through late September.