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EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR
Silk tent of EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR.
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| Other |
American tent-caterpillar |
| Species |
Chrysomela scripta |
| Common Hosts: |
Apple Malus pumila
Black cherry Prunus serotina
Hawthorn Crataegus spp.
Oaks Quercus spp.
Pecan Carya illinoensis
Plums Prunus spp. |
Description |
Adult -- light to dark brown head and body; front pair of wings same color plus 4 angled yellowish-white stripes; wingspan approximately 45 mm.
Pupa -- size of adult; reddish-brown; enclosed in a silk cocoon of yellow powder and white silk.
Larva -- size variable, approximately 60 mm long when mature; black head, white line on back bordered by reddish-brown and black wavy lines; long fine tan hairs.
Egg -- Shiny black mass cemented around twigs (may contain 100-300 eggs). |
Importance |
Trees that experience widely spaced years of defoliation rarely die. Several consecutive years of severe defoliation will cause stress. In combination with other stress factors, death may follow. |
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Adult moths emerge from cocoons in late spring, mate, and females lay eggs on branches. The larvae hatch from the eggs the following late winter-early spring. A common silk nest is made by a group of caterpillars. Pupation occurs in the tents. |
| Number of Generations |
1 generation per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Silk tents enclosing branch crotches. Loss of foliage. Black cylindrical masses wrapped around branches (egg masses). Branch dieback and/or crown thinning. |
Similar Damage |
FALL WEBWORM: silk nest or tent around entire branches or tree. |
Control |
- Predators, parasites, disease, and unfavorable weather usually keep caterpillar populations at low levels. Outbreaks do occur, but usually subside in 1 or 2 years. Prune small branches that have egg masses. Remove and destroy tents that have small caterpillars. Promote tree vigor and health to aid in the recovery from defoliation. Use an approved insecticide for high-value trees.
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Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
