Malacosoma americana
(Fabricius, 1793)
Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Sort #: 1632 | P3 #: 870017 | MPG #: 7701 | PFG Page #: 248
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link
Larval feeding type: When young, feeds communally in a silken web
Larval substrate: Deciduous trees, esp. Prunus serotina* (Black Cherry), but also Prunus maritima* (Beach Plum), Betula lenta* (Cherry Birch), Malus (Apple, Crab Apple), Quercus ilicifolia* (Scrub Oak), Salix* (Willow)
Phenology: Adult: 5/20 to 8/01 (325 records)
Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, very common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1833
Last Year Reported: 2023
Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 1499