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Forest Tent Caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria)
Forest tent caterpillars are a native North American species that undergoes periodic population outbreaks, defoliating millions of acres of deciduous forest and urban trees, particularly aspen, oak, and maple. Unlike eastern tent caterpillars, they do not spin a true tent but instead form silken mats on bark where they rest. Healthy trees typically releaf after defoliation but may experience growth reduction during outbreak years. Aerial applications during outbreaks and trunk banding protect high-value trees.