Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thank you.

... is what you have there and you will see many more in days to come! They "tent" when young then go off on their own to feed and pupate into moths

If interested you can see lots of pics and their damage, here...

enjoy!
lele
Forest Tent Caterpillars

Thank you........I wasn't sure what it was, just that I have about 20 of them all over my garage door and porch..........
Peace, Tonja

yes, and there will be many more to come. I love Leps but there are a few I feel little to no remorse in squishing and these, along with gypsy moth, is one of them. I remember as a kid there would be zillions of them dropping from the trees at the schoolyard. We would collect them and shove them in our pockets to bring home! lol!! That was when I found out caterpillars had green guts - we are what we eat!

this is the first time I have ever saw these things.....they are so pretty, but the damage I saw was terrible......My mom use to grip me out for putting baby snakes, caterpillars, and frogs in my pockets........lol....she has to stay outside when she comes to my house.........snakes and frogs.........she still has nightmares about taking them out of my pockets.......lol
Peace, Tonja

>>yes, and there will be many more to come. I love Leps but there are a few I feel little to no remorse in squishing and these, along with gypsy moth, is one of them. I remember as a kid there would be zillions of them dropping from the trees at the schoolyard. We would collect them and shove them in our pockets to bring home! lol!! That was when I found out caterpillars had green guts - we are what we eat!

haha! I am lucky, have a mom who finds creatures as fascinating as I do! Even the creeepy ones...well, we shall see. Coming to visit in the summer and will meet my tarantulas for the first time

I am really surpriseed that you have not seen the forest tent cats before. Where do you live? Maybe you are on a border of range.

I live in Arkansas........I really don't think i have seen these before. I have searched my mind and have not come up with anything...........Peace. Tonja

>>haha! I am lucky, have a mom who finds creatures as fascinating as I do! Even the creeepy ones...well, we shall see. Coming to visit in the summer and will meet my tarantulas for the first time
>>
>>I am really surpriseed that you have not seen the forest tent cats before. Where do you live? Maybe you are on a border of range.

Hi Tonja,

I checked their range, which covers most of the US - they are native, but still a pest and can cause serious defoliation. Like all insects, there are cycles so you might be seeing the beginning of an infestation - or not. They are very gregarious until they wander looking to pupate. Hopefully, this is not going to be problem year for your area and the birds will get them!

lele