When are eastern tent caterpillars most active?

When are eastern tent caterpillars most active?

• A. April through early June
• B. July through September
• C. June through August
• D. November through December

Answer: (A)

Eastern tent caterpillars are tied to springtime growth. They overwinter as eggs on tree bark and hatch when buds begin to open. The newly hatched caterpillars feed intensively and build their characteristic tents in the branches, with their numbers and activity highest in the heart of spring through early summer. That window—roughly April through early June—tracks their peak feeding and growth before they pupate. Months like July–September and November–December come after or before their active feeding phase, and winter brings no active caterpillars.

Eastern tent caterpillars are tied to springtime growth. They overwinter as eggs on tree bark and hatch when buds begin to open. The newly hatched caterpillars feed intensively and build their characteristic tents in the branches, with their numbers and activity highest in the heart of spring through early summer. That window—roughly April through early June—tracks their peak feeding and growth before they pupate. Months like July–September and November–December come after or before their active feeding phase, and winter brings no active caterpillars.