The western tent caterpillar is easily recognized by it's orange and black markings.
This species spins tents on the tips of branches. The eggs hatch in early spring just
as the new buds break in April or May. The young larvae begin feeding in groups.
The larvae of both species molt (shed their skins) four times during their 5- to 6-week
growing period. As the caterpillars mature, they begin to feed in small groups or singly.
Just before they spin their cocoons in mid-June, they crawl about looking for a protected
place in plants or on structures to attach their cocoons. The adult moths emerge in
approximately 7 to 10 days. The moths are stout-bodied and light brown.