Several species of caterpillars construct a silken shelter or tent. In spring, tent caterpillars are common. After midsummer, the most common tent-making caterpillar is the fall webworm. These Insects attract attention due to the conspicuous tents. However, they rarely cause any significant injury.
Greatest injury occurs from early season defoliation, particularly on stressed plants.
Many biological controls naturally regulate populations of these Insects. Several kinds of caterpillars feed in groups or colonies on trees and shrubs and produce a silken shelter or tent. Tent Caterpillars Four species of tent caterpillars occur in Colorado. Many other plants, particularly fruit trees may also be infested. Western tent caterpillar is the most common and damaging tent caterpillar, sometimes producing widespread outbreaks that have killed large areas of aspen.