Skip to main content

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma americana

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma americana) is a common species found throughout eastern North America. This moth is known for its distinctive caterpillar, which constructs large tents in trees made from silk and leaves.

One interesting fact about the Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth is that it is diurnal, which means it is active during the day. Its wings are brown with white stripes. Another fun fact about this species is that it is a member of the family Lasiocampidae, which is sometimes referred to as the “snout moths” due to their long snouts or palpi.

Despite its distinctive appearance, the Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth is not considered a major pest and can often be seen flying around wooded areas during the spring and early summer.

Habitat
Deciduous forests, orchards, and other wooded areas
Scientific Name
Malacosoma americana
Status
Common
Wing Span
22mm to 44mm
General Size
Small
Wing Color
brown
brown
orange
orange
Marking's Color
white
white
Markings Pattern
Stripes / Straight Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

Male

  1. Two thin white lines across forewings

  2. Thorax covered in dense brown hairs

  3. Longer antennae and slightly smaller body than its female counterpart

Identifying Characteristics

Female

  1. Two thin white lines across forewings

  2. Thorax covered in dense brown hairs

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.