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Eastern Tent Caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum)
Eastern tent caterpillars are social larvae that spin large silken tents in the forks of tree branches in early spring, primarily attacking wild cherry, apple, and crabapple trees. Groups of caterpillars emerge daily from the tent to feed on foliage, returning at night and during rainy weather. While a single defoliation rarely kills a healthy tree, repeated outbreaks weaken trees considerably. Removing tents by hand when small and applying insecticide sprays during early larval stages provides effective control.