Malacosoma

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Lasiocampoidea
Family: Lasiocampidae
Subfamily: Lasiocampinae
Tribe: Lasiocampini
Genus: Malacosoma

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Malacosoma: /ˌmæləkəˈsoʊmə/

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

Images

Malacosoma ambisimilis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Malacosoma inducta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Malacosoma erosum var. sylvaticoides by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Malacosoma recenseo by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Malacosoma azteca by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Malacosoma pluvialis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Malacosoma is a genus of moth in the family Lasiocampidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1820. The larvae are known for their social behavior, living in groups and constructing silken tents. They primarily inhabit deciduous areas across North America.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan ranges from 22-44 mm. The adult forewing is variably light yellowish to dark brownish with either dark or pale straight AM and PM lines; hindwing similar but usually unmarked.

Identification Tips

The presence of silken tents where larvae rest and various wing coloration patterns can help in identifying different species within the genus.

Habitat

Deciduous woodlands, edges, roadsides, treed yards, and gardens.

Distribution

Found throughout the United States and southern Canada, with specific distribution for species (e.g., M. americanum in eastern two-thirds of the US and Canada, M. californicum in the western two-thirds).

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of various broadleaf trees and shrubs, with specific preferences depending on the species.

Life Cycle

One generation per year; overwinters as an egg.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in masses on tree stems; development occurs in the spring with larvae emerging and feeding on host plants.

Predators

Larvae and pupae are parasitized by several species of flies and wasps, particularly Sarcophaga aldrichi and S. houghi.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the food web as both herbivores (in the larval stage) and prey for various predators.

Cultural Significance

The larva is commonly known as the Tent caterpillar and is recognized in various cultural contexts.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Hand collecting larvae and adults during the appropriate seasons.

Preservation Methods

Freezing specimens
Pinning and drying
Preservation in ethanol

Similar Taxa

Hyphantria cunea
Lasiocampa spp.

Misconceptions

The gender of Malacosoma is neuter, leading to incorrect adjectivic species names ending in -a, which are considered wrong spellings.