Forest Tent Caterpillar

From Bugwoodwiki

forest tent caterpillar Photo by Gerald J. Lenhard, Louiana State Univ, Bugwood.org Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Hexapoda (including Insecta) Order: Lepidoptera Family: Lasiocampidae Genus: Malacosoma Species: disstria Scientific Name Malacosoma disstria Hübner

Contents 1 Pest 2 Injury 3 Prevention and Control 4 References

Pest

Forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hubner; caterpillars have a dorsal row of key-hole-shaped, white spots bordered by pale-bluish lines; mature larvae are 50 mm long; occurs throughout the United States and Canada; produces one generation per year.

Injury

Caterpillars begin feeding on ash foliage as it emerges in early spring; first noticeable signs of attack are sparse crowns and falling frass; caterpillars feed for 4 to 6 weeks.

Prevention and Control

Parasites, predators, and diseases keep most infestations in check; chemical and biological controls may be needed

References

Solomon, J.D.; Leininger, T.D.; Wilson, A.D.; Anderson, R.L.; Thompson, L.C.; McCracken, F.I. 1993. Ash pests: A guide to major insects, diseases, air pollution injury and chemical injury. Gen. Tech. Rep. SO-96. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 45 p.