eastern tent caterpillar moth

The eastern tent caterpillar moth, belonging to the genus Malacosoma, is an insect whose larvae are known for spinning large, tent-like communal webs in trees. These caterpillars are often vibrantly colored and can cause defoliation in forest, fruit, and ornamental trees. The adult moths are typically stout-bodied and yellowish-brown, with wingspans ranging from 25 to 75 mm.

In eastern North America, the eastern tent caterpillar moth (Malacosoma americanum) lays its eggs in a shiny, tar-like band on tree branches during midsummer. The eggs hatch the following spring, and the larvae construct a communal silken tent, usually in a tree's fork. They leave the nest daily to feed until early summer, after which they pupate in cocoons mixed with a yellowish-white powder.12