Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum) on May 15, 2021

Originally reported as Insect or Spider (unknown species) (various)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Lots of these pods/tent like cocoons in the brush near the parking lot. I thought they were spider nests at first but when I zoomed in with my camera I saw the caterpillars on the webs so I snapped some pictures to look up what they are. I found 2 possibilities one being a gypsy moth caterpillars.

Commentary

Dear Debbi, thank you for your report. Luckily, they are not Gypsy moth. Gypsy moth don't form any "tents". We have our own tent caterpillar here in Oregon, the western tent caterpillar. Here is more information: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Documents/ForestBenefits/WTC_2017.pdf
Thank you and best regards, Helmuth Rogg

Helmuth Rogg
May 17, 2021, 1:03 a.m.