Eastern Tent Caterpillars

Malacosoma americanum

Tent caterpillars are considered pests because they eat the leaves of so many different trees, but they are also interesting animals. The tent they live in is a shelter where they rest between meals. These caterpillars follow the scent trail of other tent caterpillars who have found good leaves to feed on. When one caterpillar comes back to the tent after a good meal, all of the hungry caterpillars follow that scent trail in a single file line and eat until all of the young leaves are gone.

Look For : Brown, hairy fore wings with two white lines.

Length : 7/8-1 1/2".

Habitat : Leafy trees.

Range : East.