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Tent Caterpillars

The larvae of the tent caterpillar cause the most damage. They are black with rows of white dots or stripes the length of its body. They appear to be covered in short hairs and reach up to 2 1/2" in length.

The eggs are laid en masse in a shiny wrapping that surrounds a tree branch or twig. These masses can contain up to 350 eggs.

Trees may end up being defoliated, especially if the infestation is a large one. Infested trees may become stunted for a couple of years before growing normally again.

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Description | Reproduction | Habitat

So... What's a Tent Caterpillar?

Adult tent caterpillar moths are usually tan or brownish in color with a wingspan reaching up to 1 1/2".

The larvae are black with rows of white dots or stripes the length of its body. They appear to be covered in short hairs and reach up to 2 1/2" in length.

The eggs are laid en masse in a shiny wrapping that surrounds a tree branch or twig. These masses can contain up to 350 eggs.

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Reproduction Patterns of Tent Caterpillars

Female moths deposit their eggs in the middle of summer. The eggs overwinter on the branch or twig and hatch in the beginning of spring.

Each emerging caterpillar moves to another branch and begins spinning its own protective silk tent. The caterpillars feed on nearby leaves in the daytime, returning to their nest when finished. They will continue in this manner for the next month or two until they are ready to pupate.

During the next phase of its life cycle, the tent caterpillar will leave the nest and find an appropriate trunk or plant debris on which to s Tent moth pin its own cocoon.

After 10 days to two weeks or so, the adults emerge as moths and the cycle continues. The tent caterpillar only has one generation per year.

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Tent Caterpillar's Habitat

Found throughout the United States and Canada. Prefers trees and shrubs of the hardwood deciduous variety, particularly apple, peach, plum, sugar maple, oak, elm, sweetgum, cottonwood, willow, oak, ash and wild cherry.

Widely recognized by their webbed or silk tent structures, these destructive insect pests can cause much damage in a short time.

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Images courtesy of Oklahoma State University and Forestry Images.
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