How to Care for Eastern Tent Caterpillars

Eastern tent caterpillars are the larvae of the unimaginatively named Eastern tent caterpillar moth, Malacosoma americanum. They are unusual among caterpillars in that they are social, forming wellorganized groups to spin their eponymous tents. They are a minor pest, in that they can defoliate ornamental trees, although not usually lethally. They may also cause miscarriages in horses. For these reasons, it is not advisable to raise large numbers of the caterpillars and release the moths. However, you can certainly raise the caterpillars and keep the moths as pets. Only release them if you have a small number, if they are a native species in your area and if there are no horse farms in the vicinity. Because of their behavior, they are an interesting caterpillar to care for.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon fish tank or large, transparent plastic box
  • Paper towels
  • Large cherry or apple twig
  • Piece of cheesecloth
  • Large elastic band
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay paper towels in the bottom of an empty fish tank or plastic box. These collect the caterpillar droppings.

    • 2

      Place a large, leafy twig from the tree you found the caterpillars on or a cherry or apple twig in the fish tank. This gives them a place to make their tent and, eventually, to pupate.

    • 3

      Transfer the caterpillars to the tank. Place a piece of cheesecloth on top of the tank and secure with a large elastic band.

    • 4

      Feed the caterpillars on more leaves from a suitable tree. This species feeds on the leaves of several types of ornamental fruit trees, including apple, plum, peach and crab apple, although they seem to prefer cherry. Add new leaves as required, removing old, small twigs. Leave the large twig in the tank. Caterpillars need a lot of food, so let them have as much as they can eat.

    • 5

      Replace the paper towels once a week to keep the tank clean and prevent mold.