forest tent caterpillar |
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| Malacosoma disstria | |||||||
| Order | Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies) |
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| Superfamily | Lasiocampoidea (Lappet Moths) |
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| Family | Lasiocampidae (Tent Caterpillars, Eggars, Lappet Moths) |
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| Subfamily | Lasiocampinae (Tent Caterpillars) |
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| Nativity | Native |
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| Habitat |
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| Larval Hosts | In northern Minnesota they feed primarily on aspen and birch trees. In central and southern Minnesota they feed primarily on basswood and oak. However, Red Maple is the only hardwood they will not feed on. |
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| Adult Food |
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| Adult Flight Season | April–July |
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| Identification | |||||||
| Similar Species |
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| Sightings | |||||||
| Comments | In Minnesota widespread outbreaks of these insects occur every 10–20 years. The outbreaks last two to three years.They are followed by outbreaks of the friendly fly (Sarcophaga aldrichi), a natural parasite of the caterpillar. Unlike other tent caterpillars, this insect does not spin tents. |
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| Images | Click on an image for a larger view. | ||||||
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