Allyn Weaks wrote:

>"Those voracious caterpillars eventually turn into
>pupae to overwinter. And those pupae are a popular
>food source for many birds and small mammals--during
>the winter, when food is scarce. The adult moths are
>also prey for birds and bats. Without surviving
>caterpillars, those other tasty entrees won't be
>there."

Actually, our tent caterpillars complete their life
cycle during one season. The caterpillars you see now
will be pupae in June and the adults come out of these
in July. These adults then lay their eggs and die in
late summer and the egg cases overwinter on your
trees, disguised and blending in with the bark.
Fortunately this year or perhaps next is predicted to
be the last year for high populations of these guys
before the population crashes for a while.

A further note to some contemplating inaction as a
method of dealing with tent caterpillars. Some
municipalities will issue fines if you have active
tent caterpillar nests on your property.

Michael Dossett
Bothell, WA
Phainopepla at yahoo.com




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