Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 528701

Pacific Tent Caterpillar Moth
Malacosoma constrictum

Observation date: May 02, 2011
Submitted by: topanga bubbles...
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: My 4-year old and I found this specimen on our bedroom floor, just inside the french doors to our deck, this morning. We live under a canopy of live oaks and suspect the caterpillar dropped down from one. I believe it is some sort of an oakworm but have been unable to find a picture that resembles him on the various identification sites. He does not look at all like a Phryganidia californica to me. My little one is very curious as to what type of moth/butterfly he will become. In the second photo the caterpillar is posed on a privet branch but I put him there;I believe the host plant is more likely an oak tree.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jwileyrains
Verified date: January 14, 2022
Coordinator notes: None.