Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Natural Habitat

Found in deciduous forests, suburban landscapes, and orchards across Eastern North America, specifically on host trees like wild cherry, apple, and crabapple.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on the foliage of host trees, primarily members of the Rose family (Rosaceae).

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are social and build large, silk communal nests (tents) in the crotches of tree branches. They emerge from the tent to feed several times a day and follow silk trails to find leaves.

Risks & Benefits

While they can defoliate trees, they rarely kill healthy ones. They are a significant food source for birds and small mammals; however, they can be toxic to horses if accidentally ingested, causing Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS).

Identified on: 6/8/2026