California Web Spinner

About California Web Spinner

A small introduced web spinner now established in California and other warm parts of the United States. It is commonly found in gardens and around buildings.

How to Identify California Web Spinner

California Web Spinner (Oligotoma moestum) belongs to the order Embioptera, family Oligotomidae. Adults typically measure 7.0-10.0 mm.

California Web Spinner Habitat

California Web Spinner is found in gardens habitats, particularly across North America, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

California Web Spinner Diet and Feeding

California Web Spinner feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

Where Is California Web Spinner Found?

California Web Spinner can be found in North America, Asia, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is California Web Spinner Dangerous?

California Web Spinner is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

California Web Spinner Role in Nature

California Web Spinner is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity