Wild Cherry Defoliation: Eastern Tent Caterpillar, Not Gypsy Moth

Wild cherry had "bag worms" in spring; now leafless twigs, falling leaves, small holes in remaining leaves. Owner fears gypsy moths but sees no current activity.

Identification: Eastern Tent Caterpillar

• Appearance: 2" long, black, white back stripe, pale blue side spots, light brown hairs.
• Tent: Silken web in branch forks (spring). Gypsy moths don't make tents.
• Gypsy moth: 2" long, pairs of blue/red spots on back.

Life Cycle & Damage

Eggs overwinter in shiny brown bands on twigs. Hatch at bud break (March/April). Caterpillars feed 4-6 weeks, then cocoon. One generation/year. Heavy defoliation weakens but rarely kills healthy trees. Most refoliate in 2-3 weeks.

Control

• Winter: Prune/destroy egg masses on twigs.
• Spring: Remove new webs by hand (don't burn — damages tree).
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on foliage around tents — effective on young larvae.

Primarily cosmetic nuisance. Small/stressed trees at higher risk.