Forest Tent Caterpillar

Found in deciduous forests, woodlands, and urban areas across North America.

Feeds on the leaves of broadleaf trees, including oak, maple, aspen, birch, and cherry.

Unlike other tent caterpillars, they do not build silk tents but rather spin silken mats on trunks and branches to rest. They are known for 'outbreak' cycles occurring every 6 to 16 years.

They can cause extensive defoliation of trees during outbreaks, which may stress or kill weakened trees. They are a food source for birds and other insects, but their hairs can occasionally cause skin irritation in humans.