Forest tent caterpillars: Identification

Caterpillar: colorful with many hairs. The sides of its body are blue with narrow orange stripes, and the back is black with footprint or keyhole-shaped white markings.

Newly-hatched caterpillars are black with obvious hairs and about

⅛" in length. Mature caterpillars are 2"–2.5" in length

Egg Masses: eggs are laid in a mass wrapped around the twigs of trees and shrubs in late June to mid-July. New egg masses are ½ inch long and covered with glossy, dark brown, glue-like material that protects the eggs during winter. They blend in with the tree, and look like a swollen spot on a twig from a distance.

Moth (adult): is tan and has a broad brown band across the front wings. FTC moths are night fliers and are attracted to lights in large numbers.