Forest Tent Catepillar

Description:

Native insect. Just over 2 inches long. They are black, dark brown or gray with blue & faint yellow longitudinal stripes. Each abdominal segment has a white spot which is covered with fur-like long setae.

Habitat:

Found in hardwood forests throughout North America. Life stages: larva-caterpillar, pupa-cocoon, adult-moth, egg. Host trees: aspen, oak, birch, elm, sugar maple, basswoods Not hosts: conifers, red maple

Notes:

Spotted near South Tamarac Lake on north Cotton Lake road. Tends to occur at 10 year intervals. Outbreaks typically last 3 years. Caterpillars are active for 5-6 weeks. They congregate in clumps not tents.