An increase in tent caterpillars in Sylvan Lake

An increase in tent caterpillars in Sylvan Lake

Community members may notice an increase in the number of forest tent caterpillars this year in Sylvan Lake. Forest tent caterpillars feed on aspen, poplar, green ash, mayday, and various other trees and shrubs and look black and hairy. Once mature, the caterpillars are typically four to five centimetres long with blue side bands and white keyhole-shaped spots along the back. Individuals may see that caterpillars are in large clusters on tree tr…