Tent Caterpillar and Lappet Moths

Lasiocampidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Lasiocampoidea
Family: Lasiocampidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasiocampidae: //ˌlæ.si.oʊˈkæm.pɪˌdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Tolype distincta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Gloveria coronada by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Claphe libella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Malacosoma fragile var. lutescens by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Claphe melca by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Claphe roxana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Lasiocampidae, also known as tent caterpillars, lappet moths, or eggars, is a family of large-bodied moths characterized by hairy caterpillars. They are notable for their egg-laying behavior and the use of silk for nest construction and cocoon formation. Their classification includes significant diversity with over 2,000 species worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Caterpillars are large and often hairy, especially on their sides, with skin flaps on their prolegs and a pair of dorsal glands on their abdomens. Adult moths are large-bodied with broad wings, typically brown or grey, and may have elongated or reduced mouthparts; females are generally larger than males and slower.

Identification Tips

Caterpillars feature lateral and often dorsal tufts of hair, with notable traits such as the presence of spiracular flaps on prolegs. Adult moths can be identified by their broader wings and hairy legs and bodies.

Habitat

Caterpillars are often found on various trees and shrubs, where they spin silk nests and feed on the foliage. They utilize these plants for camouflaging their cocoons.

Distribution

Over 2,000 species occur worldwide, with a significant number in North America.

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of many types of trees and shrubs; they initially consume their own egg shells, then buds and young leaves.

Life Cycle

Most species undergo their life cycle through egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal (cocoon), and adult stages, often with 5-6 instars in larvae.

Reproduction

Females lay 100-400 eggs in flattened masses, which are often covered with a frothy substance called spumaline. Eggs hatch in spring when young larvae emerge.

Ecosystem Role

Lasiocampidae caterpillars play a role in the ecosystem as herbivores, affecting plant communities, while adults serve as pollinators and prey for various animals.

Economic Impact

Some species may affect forestry through leaf consumption and potential pest status.

Evolution

The family Lasiocampidae is recognized as the sole family within the superfamily Lasiocampoidea, indicating its distinct evolutionary lineage within the Lepidoptera.

Similar Taxa

Pyralidae

Misconceptions

The name 'snout moths' can lead to confusion as it also refers to other moth families. Not all members of Lasiocampidae are tent caterpillars; they encompass a variety of forms including lappet moths and eggars.