Forest Tent Caterpillar

Deciduous forests, woodlands, and urban areas across North America.

Leaves of broadleaf trees, especially aspen, gum, oak, maple, and birch.

Unlike other tent caterpillars, they do not build silk tents; instead, they spin silken mats on trunks and branches where they congregate at rest. They are known for cyclical outbreaks every 6 to 16 years.

Risks: Can cause significant defoliation of trees during outbreaks, which may stress or kill already weakened trees. Benefits: They are a food source for many birds and predatory insects, and their droppings return nutrients to the soil.