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| EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR |
Description
Eastern Tent Caterpillars are usually first noticed in early May when they begin spinning silken tents in tree crotches and forks. The larvae begin feeding shortly after hatching, and they leave trails of silk as they travel from the tent to the feeding areas. Immature larvae leave the tents in the morning to feed during the day, returning to the tents in the evening.
The larvae of Eastern Tent Caterpillars are from 1/16 2 long, depending on age. Mature larvae have a black head and a brown body, characterized by a yellow-white mid dorsal stripe which is bordered on either side with black wavy lines, blue spots, and reddish brown and yellow stripes.
Defoliation of mature trees by Eastern Tent Caterpillars during May is not usually serious (but is extremely unsightly in a landscape setting!) because new leaves may be produced within a month your two of defoliation, depending on the host plants vigor. However, if a tree is young, in a dry environment, or not optimum vigor, severe defoliation may cause death. Trees defoliated and stress several years in a row, or trees defoliated for a second time in the same season, may also die. Additionally, defoliated trees stressed by other factors, such as drought, may be killed or made vulnerable to other insects or diseases.
Eastern Tent Caterpillars are similar to Fall Webworms, the web nest of both pests look much the same, but those of Fall Webworm are located at the branch tips, and only appear during mid to late summer. Because of the differences in the timing if outbreak, these pests must be treated separately and controlled separately.
Another common pest in Michigan that may be confused with the Eastern Tent Caterpillar is the Gypsy Moth. The Larvae of both insects are feeding at roughly the same time, and both hang from a silk thread when traveling about the tree. The larval of caterpillar stage of these two pests are very easily differentiated. The Gypsy Moth had 5 pairs of Blue spots and 6 pairs of red spots on its back, while the Eastern Tent Caterpillar has stripes and not spots.
Single nests in affected trees may be pruned out and destroyed. Do not burn the nest in the tree, as severe branch injury will occur! On large trees, or if there are numerous nests, insecticide sprays may be a more suitable means of control. Insecticide sprays should be applied in May and June, to control the feeding larvae. Applications later that this are not necessary since the adults do not feed at all. |
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How
to Treat
THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST virtually all insect and disease problems is a healty, vigorous plant, and proper pest management. By working closely with a trained arborist, the beauty and longevity of your trees and shrubs can be maximized. |
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