Malacosoma incurva

(Edwards, 1882)

Southwestern Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma incurva is a native to the southwestern United States. have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm. The larvae construct silken tents and feed on specific plants including Fremont cottonwood, willows, and Prunus . The species was first described by Henry Edwards in 1882 and is distinguished from related eastern and western tent caterpillars by its restricted geographic range.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Malacosoma incurva: /ˌmæləkəˈsoʊmə ɪnˈkɜrvə/

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Identification

Distinguished from the eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) and western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) by its occurrence in the southwestern United States rather than eastern or western North America. are small with a wingspan of about 27 mm. Larvae likely share the hairy body and tent-building characteristic of the , though specific coloration patterns for M. incurva are not documented in available sources.

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Habitat

Associated with riparian and woodland supporting its plants, including areas with Populus fremontii, Salix , and Prunus species.

Distribution

Southwestern North America, specifically documented from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah.

Diet

Larvae feed on Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood), Salix (willow) , and Prunus species.

Host Associations

  • Populus fremontii - larval food plantFremont cottonwood
  • Salix - larval food plantwillow
  • Prunus - larval food plantcherry and related

Similar Taxa

  • Malacosoma americanumEastern tent caterpillar, occurs in eastern North America rather than the Southwest; larvae have distinctive blue stripes and white stripe
  • Malacosoma californicumWestern tent caterpillar, occurs in western North America from Alberta to California; larvae feed on desert almond and other rosaceous plants in addition to willows and poplars

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Malacosoma incurva incurva and Malacosoma incurva discoloratum (Neumoegen, 1893).

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Sources and further reading