Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Found in deciduous forests, parks, and gardens throughout North America, particularly near host trees like cherry, apple, and crabapple.

Larvae feed on the foliage of host trees, primarily members of the Rosaceae family such as wild cherry and apple trees.

Larvae are social insects that build communal silk nests in the crotches of tree branches. They emerge to feed several times a day and return to the tent for protection. They pupate in cocoons on the ground or tree trunks.

They are considered a nuisance and can defoliate trees, though healthy trees usually survive. Their hairs can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. They serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.