Malacosoma americanum
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Author(s): Tom Peterson
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Malacosoma americanum (Fabricius, 1793) - (eastern tent caterpillar)
This moth species is found in north-eastern North America where it feeds mainly on the leaves of Rosaceae like Prunus species. The larvae can defoliate trees and their bristles cause skin irritations.
Females lay a single egg-mass in the summer and first instar larvae remain inside the eggs until the coming spring in diapause. They then hatch in a synchronized manner during bud burst. The caterpillars live gregariously and construct a silken tent for protection. The development of the larvae is completed in around 6 weeks. The last instar larvae disperse and eventually pupate in cracks of the bark. The adult moths do not feed and live only for a few days.
- Other images of Malacosoma americanum (IPM Images - click to enlarge)
eggs
tent with larvae
tent with larvae
larva
cocoon
