ScientificName: Malacosoma californicum
Description: The larvae are generally black with a white stripe down the back. On the sides of the insect there will be blue spots located between two yellowish lines.
Habitat/Food: Tent caterpillars dwell in the trees of North America, Mexico and Eurasia feeding on the foliage of plants and trees.
Life Cycle: The Tent Caterpillars lay their eggs in the leaves of a chosen host tree in early spring. The caterpillars make their tent soon after they close. The caterpillars can complete their larval development in seven to eight weeks, about two weeks later they emerge as adults.
Organic Control: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) should be sprayed on the host tree.
Interesting Fact: Studies have shown that when the body temperature of a caterpillar is less than about 15 °C, digestion cannot occur.