Forest Tent Caterpillars Form Tents in Mississippi Trees

Forest tent caterpillars, known scientifically as Malacosoma disstria, build tent-like webs in trees each spring, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

The webs are most commonly found on sweetgum and oak trees, especially in bottomland areas. The caterpillars use the tents for protection while they feed on the leaves.

While these caterpillars can cause some temporary damage to trees, healthy trees usually recover and are not killed. The insects also serve as an important food source for wildlife, particularly birds, the department said.

Photographs of the tents were provided by Chelsi Burns of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Source: Original Article