#malacosoma

as a chronic digital hoarder, i feel compelled to save outtakes when they're funny. this lackey (Malacosoma neustria) was probably just beginning to turn around or something like that, but now these photos look like before and after someone asked it if it wanted walkies

📍 Location: Durham, North Carolina 🗓 Date: March 28, 2026 🐾 Media: Image 🌿 Species: Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma disstria) 📝 Notes: Native moth species commonly found in deciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, and suburban habitats across much of North America. Caterpillars are recognized by their dark bodies lined with pale blue markings and a row of distinctive white keyhole-shaped spots running along the back, often traveling together in large groups across tree trunks and branches.

Larvae feed heavily on the leaves of hardwood trees such as oak, maple, aspen, and cherry, occasionally causing large-scale defoliation during outbreak years. Unlike true tent caterpillars, this species does not build a permanent silk tent, instead creating temporary silk mats on bark and branches where groups gather to rest between feeding periods.

Pretty feathers on this baby moth <3

Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth Malacosoma disstria Lasiocampidae

Bug of the Day

Oh, Hai there!

Malacosoma californicum