Identification and life cycle

occurs sporadically throughout the eastern US
1 generation per year
winters as eggs in bands around twigs
caterpillars are early season foliage feeders that feed in groups when young, and individually as they grow; although it is a tent caterpillar, it does not construct a tent
hosts: a variety of hardwoods; in the south various oaks, water tupelo, blackgum, and sweetgum are especially susceptible
Look for ~1” light blue caterpillars mottled with black, and with a yellowish-buff colored keyhole-shaped spot on the back of each segment; active May-June; tattered foliage on host trees; caterpillar waste at base of tree

Impacts

Normally, defoliated trees re-flush and natural enemies keep caterpillar populations in check
BUT, repeated defoliation + borers + stress = tree mortality

Status

Periodic outbreaks result in large expanses of defoliated stands, leading to dieback and mortality. Forests in several counties along the Ohio River in Kentucky have suffered forest tent caterpillar defoliation in the past few years

Action

Manage stands to reduce stress; maintain stand diversity