Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Common NameEastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameMalacosoma americanum
FamilyLasiocampidae
SubfamilyLasiocampinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantscherry, apple, crabapple, plum, peach, hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are social, forming communal silken 'tents' in the crotches of host trees. They are black with a white stripe and blue spots, pupating in cocoons before emerging as moths.
Identification TipsKey features include the two parallel, oblique pale lines on the forewings, the overall reddish-brown, fuzzy body, and the feathery antennae, especially prominent in males.
Description
A medium-sized, stout-bodied moth with a fuzzy, reddish-brown to tan appearance, featuring two distinct, pale, oblique lines across its forewings.
