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Malacosoma sp.
Tent worms are caterpillars of the genus Malacosoma in the moth family Lasiocampidae.
Observed along an urban nature trail (South Creek Greenway Trail) in Springfield, Missouri.
"Tent caterpillars hatch from their eggs in the early spring at the time the leaves of their host trees are just unfolding. The caterpillars establish their tent soon after they [emerge]."
6 Comments
If you look closely at mine you can see the worms. That is how I made the ID. Cheers
Scott, please see the picture I just posted. Is mine a cobweb or a Tent Worm tent?
Thank you, Scott!
Hello dcslaugh. The giant web is their "tent" from which they get their name. Newly hatched caterpillars start building their tent out of silk, soon after emerging.
What spider trapped them with that giant web?
Please consider adding this spotting to the Animal Architecture mission at http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8082...