Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

eastern tent caterpillar

noun

Definition of eastern tent caterpillar

: the gregarious web-building larva of a reddish brown American moth (Malacosoma americanum) hatching in spring, feeding on the young foliage of apple, wild cherry, and related trees, and building community nests of silk in crotches of the trees invaded

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up eastern tent caterpillar? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games