Georgia Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

Which insect pest constructs a tent in the spring on certain trees?

1. Winter Moth

2. Eastern Tent Caterpillar

3. Gypsy Moth

4. Leafcutter Ants

The correct answer is: Eastern Tent Caterpillar

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is known for its distinctive behavior of constructing a silk tent in the forks of tree branches, particularly in spring. This pest typically targets a variety of trees, such as cherry, apple, and other species, creating noticeable, web-like structures that can impact the appearance and health of the trees. The silk tent serves multiple purposes; it provides shelter and protection for the caterpillars as they feed on leaves, while also serving as a way to regulate temperature and humidity within the structure. This behavior can be particularly disruptive to young trees and can affect overall tree vigor if infestations are severe. In contrast, the Winter Moth is primarily known for its destructive feeding habits, particularly on buds in late winter to early spring, but it does not create tents. Gypsy Moths are also notorious for defoliating trees, but they do not construct tents like the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. Leafcutter Ants are a different type of pest that primarily affect plants by cutting leaves to use as a food source for their fungus gardens, and they do not construct tents in trees.