Pine Webworm Moth (Pococera robustella) - Frass Nest

Frass nest on a Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) sapling at a dense mixed forest edge.

Adult Pine Webworm moths typically lay eggs on pine needles. Larvae then hatch and mine the interior of the pine needles until they are old enough (usually 4th to 6th instars) to spin their own nests like this one --made of frass and silk. Larvae may exit the nest to bring back pine needles for nourishment. Once the larvae are mature, they drop to the ground where they spin cocoons and ultimately pupate.