Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Here is a picture I took of an eastern tent caterpillar nest, which is covered with eastern tent caterpillars. These critters have, or rather had, taken up residence in a tree in my front yard. Although pretty hardy they just don't do too well under the weight of a size 9.5 Timberland work boot...

The eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) is more a nuisance than a threat. While heavy infestations can cause serious defoliation, eastern tent caterpillars rarely kill trees except those already weakened by disease or climate and environmental stresses. These caterpillars get their name from the ugly tent-like nests that they spin in the crotches of host trees. They are native to North America east of the Rockies.

The preferred tree for these pests is the black cherry but they will also infest other cherry trees as well as fruit trees such as apple and a variety of shade trees. You can see these 'tents' littered in trees throughout the area and they're quite unsightly too.