Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
Common NameForest Tent Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameMalacosoma disstria
FamilyLasiocampidae
SubfamilyLasiocampinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, tan
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, urban areas, orchards
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to southern United States)
Host Plantsaspen, poplar, oak, maple, birch, cherry, elm, ash
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as forest tent caterpillars, which are defoliators of deciduous trees. Unlike other tent caterpillars, they do not build large silk tents but rather spin silk mats on tree trunks or branches for resting.
Identification TipsKey features include the two parallel, wavy dark lines on the forewings and the overall fuzzy, reddish-brown appearance. The larvae are blue-black with a row of white keyhole-shaped spots down the back.
Description
A medium-sized, fuzzy moth with a stout body and reddish-brown to tan forewings, prominently marked with two distinct, parallel, wavy dark brown lines across the middle.
