Population dynamics and egg mass and tent placement preference in Malacosoma americanum, the Eastern Tent Caterpillar in Pellston, MI.

Abstract

Some pest species may defoliate large amounts of vegetation that causes both ecological and economic stress on an environment. The factors that regulate and influence their population dynamics are relatively misunderstood and widely studied. Malacosoma americanum are a species of tent caterpillars that can defoliate and reduce the productivity of Prunus serotina (black cherry). To examine the population dynamics and oviposition preferences of this species, I studied the abundance, distribution, and positioning of M. americanum egg masses and tents at a highly populated site in Pellston, MI. I evaluated the size of the tree, determined the placement and number of tents and egg mases to predict population change and placement preference, and measured the height and location on a branch where females to oviposit. 55% the trees on the site were inhabited by M. americanum. I found that the M. americanum population at this site is declining and that M. americanum may assess the size of the resource when ovipositing. M. americanum did not exhibit a preference for either side of the tree on which to place their egg masses or tents. Lastly, I found that moths preferred to oviposit their eggs at the end of branches on the crowns of trees.