Phigalia larva.
Weather regulates populations of this insect. Soil-inhabiting insects and rodents are believed to destroy many pupae during the winter.
EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR, Malacosoma americanum (F.)
The presence of the eastern tent caterpillar is objectionable more from an aesthetic standpoint than from its effect on the host tree. The ugly tents constructed by the feeding larvae make this pest highly objectionable on shade trees. Black cherry and other species of the genus Prunus are preferred hosts, but other trees in the family Rosaceae are sometimes attacked. This insect is widely distributed wherever host trees are found east of the Rocky Mountains.
Larvae and tent of eastern tent caterpillar.
The caterpillars appear at about the same time the leaves of black cherry begin to unfold. The larvae construct a web or tent in the crotch of a small branch, and begin feeding. Usually they consume entire leaves, except for the large veins. As the larvae mature, they add to the tent, which may reach a foot in diameter and two feet in length. Reaching maturity in about six weeks, the larvae drop to the ground and pupate. The moths emerge in June and the females lay eggs. Eggs of the eastern tent caterpillar are shiny black masses which encircle the smaller twigs and are quite noticeable. The insect overwinters in the egg stage.
Control on ornamental, fruit, and shade trees is achieved by pruning off and burning the tents containing the caterpillars.
