Robert
Your insect is a moth...Ailanthus Webworm Moth.
They are found over most of eastern North America.
The adults feed on nectar of various flowers. The caterpillars are found in webs in Ailanthus (tree of heaven) and paradise trees. The caterpillars may also feed on other deciduous trees and shrubs.
The Ailanthus tree is not native and invasive, while the insect is native...so it has learned to like this invasive tree....a good thing!
