Wildlife Wednesday 05/28/2025

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! 

Recently spotted on our Wilderness Walk trail is this large communal nest of the Eastern tent caterpillar. These caterpillars, which will eventually become moths, are among the most social of larvae.

An adult female moth lays her eggs in late spring or early summer. She lays just one batch each year, containing about 300 eggs. Within 3 weeks fully formed caterpillars are inside the eggs. They remain dormant until the following spring, when they then chew their way out of the egg mass to eat the buds of the host tree. Preferred host trees are cherry and apple.

The freshly hatched caterpillars build their silk tent shortly after emerging. The tents of this species are the largest constructed by any of the tent caterpillar family. Its placement is with the largest wall facing southeast to take advantage of the morning sun. The caterpillars add silk to the tent as part of their daily routine, creating many layers and openings for entrance and exit.

The tent is multifunctional, providing protection from predators and acting as a mini-greenhouse, keeping the larvae warm. Inside the tent the humidity levels increase and assist in the caterpillars staying hydrated and with molting.