Extra Tools Module:
The Incredible Pre-social Behavior of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Larvae to Adult
Eastern Tent Caterpillars, Malacosoma americanum is my favorite pre-social insect. They live in family groups from 50-1000 individuals. They grow very quickly devouring tree species in the Rosaceae family, where their most favorite is Cherry. They communicate via chemicals called pheromones that point other cohorts to the best feeding sites. They are very successful at growing very quickly due to thermoregulation of body heat, protection against predators, and social recrutiment of food resources. Also do not forget "their is power in numbers"!!!!
Click Here (doc file) for a List of Additional Resources
Click Here (pdf file) to read a published paper on Eastern Tent Caterpillars
Click on the picture to find out more about this "Icky" Ichneumonid Wasp after a ETC:
Click Below to View Additional Pictures:
| Eggmass | Larvae Instar 1-3 | The Tent |
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The Eggmass |
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The Larvae Instar 3-5 |
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The Tent |
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