The Forest Tent Caterpillar is another 'native' defoliator similar to the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. To the casual observer the forest tent caterpillar looks identical to the Eastern tent caterpillar. Their special markings, however, can distinguish one from another Eastern tent caterpillars have vertical stripes while forest tent caterpillars have exclamation (!) marks running the length of the caterpillar. Despite their name , forest tent caterpillars do not make the tent style nest within trees There are other significant differences related to habitat and biology. Please visit the following links for additional information.

USDA Forest Service- Life history and description

UMass Extension [Good photos]- Description, Life cycle & management

University of Minnesota Extension- Life Cycle, Damage & Management

Texas A&M - Life cycle, identification & management