Eastern tent caterpillars construct a tent of silk on one or more branches of a tree. The tent provides protection against weather conditions and predators. The caterpillars feed during the day, and at night, they return to the tent for protection.
The caterpillar is approximately 2.2 inches (6 1/4 cm) long, hairy and black with a cream coloured stripe down its back. Blue spots, as well as, brown and yellow lines can also be seen along the sides of the caterpillar's body.