Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Description:

As caterpillars, they can reach 4 to 5 cm in length, and their long setae give them a fuzzy appearance. Color varies, but most are black with a white dorsal stripe and brown and yellow lateral lines. Many also have blue spots along their sides. The blue and white colors are structural colors created by the selective filtering of light by microtubules that arise on the cuticle. Egg masses of Eastern tent caterpillars encircle branches and are covered with shiny, black or dark grey varnish-like material. Tents of Malacoso americanum are among the largest of any tent caterpillar and are typically constructed where two branches meet. Tents usually face southeast. Cocoons are white or yellow.

Habitat:

Eastern and central US to the Rockies (2) and Canada from Nova Scotia to Alberta The moths oviposit almost exclusively on trees in the plant family Rosaceae, particularly cherry (Prunus) and apple (Malus). Larvae feed on leaves of many trees and shrubs but particularly members of the rose family such as apple, cherry, and crabapple.

Notes:

Spotted on a choke cherry tree (Prunus virginiana) along a wooded drive near an old church and cemetery and a utility plant