forest tent caterpillar

forest tent caterpillar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More photos…

Malacosoma disstria
       
Order

Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies)

Superfamily

Lasiocampoidea (Lappet Moths)

Family

Lasiocampidae (Tent Caterpillars, Eggars, Lappet Moths)

Subfamily

Lasiocampinae (Tent Caterpillars)

Status

 

Flight/Season

April to July

Habitat

 

Size

 


Identification

 


Larval Food

In northern Minnesota they feed primarily on aspen and birch trees. In central and southern Minnesota they feed primarily on basswood and oak. Red maple (Acer rubrum var. rubrum) is the only hardwood they will not feed on.

 
Adult Food

 


Life Cycle

 


Similar
Species

 


Range Range Map   The range varies. The map at left shows the extent of the 2008 outbreak.
 
Sightings

Father Hennepin State Park

Lake Carlos State Park

Partch Woods SNA

Sibley State Park


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.


Images  
  forest tent caterpillar   forest tent caterpillar        
               
  forest tent caterpillar   forest tent caterpillar   forest tent caterpillar    

 

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