The larvae have pale bluish lines along the sides of a brownish body, and a row of keyholeshaped white spots down the middle of the back. Adult moths are buff-brown, with darker oblique bands on the wings. Egg masses of 100 to 350 eggs encircle the twigs and are covered with frothy, dark brown cement. Identifying the Injury . The first noticeable signs of attack are sparse crowns and falling frass.
Caterpillars often cluster on the lower trunks of infested trees.
Single trees or complete stands may be completely defoliated during the spring. Eggs hatch in early spring. Caterpillars feed for 4 to 6 weeks on the opening buds, foliage, and flowers. Despite its name, this species does not form tents. Pupation occurs in yellowish cocoons and lasts 10 to 14 days.