April 27, 2002

Eastern Tent Caterpillars

(Malacosoma americanum)

I'm starting to see these nests all over now.  The caterpillars make forays out from the nest to feed.  

Here is a cluster of them feeding on cherry leaves.  

Note the nest in background.

And in case you're wondering what the adult moths look like- Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth on left (6/24/02).

Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma disstria), on right, looking almost like a photo negative of the Eastern. (6/30/02)

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth & Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth

Unlike the larvae of the Eastern Tent Caterpillars, the larvae of the Forest Tent Caterpillars (left) do not live in communal nests.  Note the "shoe print" pattern along the back.  (Photographed May 24, 2002)