Forest Tent Caterpillar

Forest Tent Caterpillar (Family Lasiocampidae)

The forest tent caterpillar is unique among tent caterpillars as it does not build a tent. In the larval form most tent caterpillars construct a silken tent. Tent caterpillars are considered pests as they can completely defoliate trees. Commercial orchards are often sprayed to prevent this costly destruction. Forest tent caterpillars are common in the eastern United States. [BM] {PF}