Pacific Tent Caterpillar
Common NamePacific Tent Caterpillar
Scientific NameMalacosoma constrictum
FamilyLasiocampidae
SubfamilyLasiocampinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, brown
HabitatOak woodlands, chaparral, forests
Geographic RangeWestern North America (primarily California, Oregon, Washington)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are social, forming silk tents on host oak trees where they feed gregariously. They pupate in cocoons, and adults emerge to mate and lay eggs, typically living only a short time.
Identification TipsLook for the two prominent dark brown transverse lines on the tan forewings, the very fuzzy body, and its association with oak trees in its western North American range.
Description
This is a medium-sized, robust moth with a very hairy, light brown body and forewings that are tan to light brown, marked with two distinct, darker brown, wavy transverse lines.
