Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Found in deciduous forests, parks, and gardens, commonly in cherry, apple, and crabapple trees across North America.

Caterpillars feed on the foliage of host trees, primarily members of the rose family (Rosaceae).

Social larvae build communal silk tents in tree crotches to protect themselves from predators and regulate temperature. They emerge to feed during the day and return to the tent at night.

They can cause significant defoliation of host trees, though healthy trees usually recover. They are a food source for birds, however, they can cause Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS) if accidentally ingested by pregnant horses.