Trinidad webspinner

The Trinidad webspinner (Oligotoma trinitatis) belongs to the order Embioptera, family Oligotomidae. These insects are unique for their ability to produce silk from glands located on their front legs, which they use to construct elaborate tunnel systems that protect them from predators and environmental stress.

This pest primarily infests woody ornamental plants, shrubs, and various fruit trees. While they are essentially detritivores, under high population densities, they readily feed on living plant tissues, including bark, young shoots, and foliage, which can cause significant physiological stress to the host.

The life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Females provide maternal care, guarding their eggs within the silk-lined galleries. The development rate is highly sensitive to ambient humidity and temperature, making certain microclimates more susceptible to infestation.

Damage typically manifests as thin silk webbing covering the bark or leaf surfaces, beneath which the insects scrape away the outer epidermal layers. This feeding activity disrupts photosynthesis and facilitates the secondary colonization of plants by various fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Management strategies focus on cultural practices such as pruning dense foliage, removing debris and loose bark where colonies hide, and improving air circulation around plants. Chemical control is challenging due to the protective webbing, therefore, systemic or penetrating insecticides are required for successful eradication.