Hyphantria cunea
TIGER MOTH FAMILY (Arctiidae)

Description
This caterpillar is variable in color, but is usually found in large numbers, defoliating a variety of host plants, protected by a silken nest. Its hairs are of differing lengths, some as long as half its body, which is over one inch long at maturity. The adult moth can be all white or white with dark spots as shown in photo C.

Occurrence
Common in late summer/fall at both of our nature centers. Then seen in large numbers under tents of silk, defoliating one of its host trees, which include maple, walnut, elm and ash, all readily found in our two nature centers. This species overwinters as a pupa.

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