Tent caterpillars
- Pronunciation
- /TENT KAT-er-pil-erz/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Tent caterpillar
- Plural
- Tent caterpillars
Definition
The larval stage of various moth species in the family Lasiocampidae, known for their communal silken tents.
Etymology
Example
Eastern tent caterpillars are notorious for defoliating trees in early spring.
Related Terms
- Malacosoma
- Lasiocampidae
- Defoliation
Usage Notes
The term 'tent caterpillar' is a common name for several species within the genus *Malacosoma*, which exhibits social behavior and builds communal silken tents.