Journal of Entomological Science (2004) 39, 94-100

L.K. Rieske (2004)
Age-specific host utilization in the eastern tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)
Journal of Entomological Science 39 (1), 94-100
Abstract: Larval growth and survival of the eastern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma americana F., was assessed on its preferred host, black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrhart), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), and white pine (Pinus strobus L.), and on the herbaceous biennial poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.). Larvae grew largest and had the greatest pupation and survival rates when fed black cherry and white oak. They did not grow well on black locust or white pine, but survival rates were relatively high, suggesting that both plant species could potentially serve to sustain tent caterpillar populations. Growth and survival was so low on hackberry and poison hemlock that they pose little chance of sustaining outbreaking caterpillar populations.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Lynne K. Rieske

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Malacosoma americanum	Prunus (genus - other than fruit trees)	U.S.A. (NE)