What do forest tent caterpillars look like?
What is the life cycle of the forest tent caterpillar? Adult moths emerge in early July and lay their eggs in a single gray-brown band 1.5-2.0 cm. deep that encircles a small twig of the host tree and shrub. Within 3 weeks a young larvae forms within the egg, but it remains dormant until the following spring. When the leaves begin to open, the larvae emerge and begin to feed. During the early larval stage, they can be often found clustering in masses on the stem or trunk. The larvae feed over a 4-6 week period before becoming pupae. They form their cocoons between 2 leaves of a tree, on shrubbery or on buildings where they can find a sheltered location.
