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 A number of moth larvae construct silken tents as they feed on the leaves of their host plants. The tents are often large, distinctive and attract attention (right). Larvae may be found crawling on the outside or inside of tents depending on species and stage of development. Tents are frequently covered with frass (caterpillar feces) and plant debris. Adult moths are fairly large with greater than 1" wingspan but otherwise usually drab.
While occasional outbreaks of these insects cause serious damage to forest trees and ornamental trees and shrubs most of the time the damage is more unsightly than damaging. It has been shown experimentally that healthy trees and shubs can sustain considerable foliage loss without permanent injury.
Landscapers and gardeners can simply clip and destroy the tents to control these defoliators. There are many natural enemies that target these insects as well which probably accounts for their spotty occurrence and limited damage.
common names: forest tent caterpillar, western tent caterpillar, eastern tent caterpillar, fall webworm
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