Tent caterpillars attack many trees and shrubs. Favorite targets include black cherry, apple, and crabapple trees.
Adult female moths crawl up tree bark to lay collar-like egg masses that may encircle branches and twigs. The first crop of caterpillars hatches in early spring, spins webbing for nests, and feeds until early summer. The full-grown caterpillars then drop to the ground or lower themselves on silken threads to pupate in leaf litter. These pests overwinter as egg masses on twigs. There may be one to several generations per year.
Caterpillars are furry and bluish with black heads and white stripe down the back.
Caterpillars spin a silken tent in the crotches and forks of tree branches. They leave these nests during the day to feed on foliage. Entire branches and large portions of severely infested trees may be defoliated.
Caterpillars and their webs can be removed by hand, spray or dust the nest in early evening with the microbial control, Bacillus thuringiensis, which will kill the caterpillars.