Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Eastern Tent Caterpillar is perhaps the most commonly observed moth caterpillar in the eastern US. When seen up close, they are beautifully patterned.

Durham, NC 4/17/07.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Younger caterpillars, still on the tent.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Hundreds may live in each skillfully constructed tent.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Their silken bivouacs are frequently found in Black Cherry trees.

Durham, NC 3/28/07.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

The adult moths are easy to identify -- furry and warm brown, with two cream-colored stripes.

Durham, NC 5/16/07.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Durham, NC 5/23/07.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

Durham, NC 5/29/08.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.