Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Tent Caterpillars and Lappet Moths (Family Lasiocampidae)

Maier, C.T., C.R. Lemmon, J.M. Fengler, D.F. Schweitzer, and R.C. Reardon. 2004. Caterpillars on the Foliage of Conifers in the Northeastern United States. FHTET-2004-1. Morgantown, WV: USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team; 151 p.

The caterpillars in this small family are cylindrical or flattened and tend to be hairy, especially on the sides of the body. Most lasiocampid caterpillars are colorful and marked with stripes. The flattened species, including the one described in this guide, have lappets on their bodies; some mimic bark. Members of this family have a pair of prolegs on A3 to A6 and A10. They are distinguished from caterpillars of other families by the pattern of their crochets and by other subtle characteristics that can best be seen with the aid of a microscope. Most of the species have a projection that is found beneath the anus and between the prolegs on A10. Mature caterpillars are medium to large, ranging from 20 to 80 mm in length.

Lasiocampid caterpillars feed externally on the leaves of many different trees and shrubs, sometimes living gregariously in webs. They transform to pupae in cocoons that are hidden in leaves, bark, detritus, old webs, and other places.

The moths hold their wings roof-like over their bodies. Most adults have greatly reduced mouthparts and apparently do not feed. The females often are much larger than the males, although they are otherwise similar in appearance. The adults are active mainly at night.

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