Tent Moths Caterpillars in Their Home

When I first started discovering macro photography, I had no idea what an unfamiliar and deeply hidden world it would lead me into. 

So, last Saturday I accidentally stumbled upon Eastern tent caterpillars and their home. They will soon develop into Eastern tent moths. 

 

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Eastern tent caterpillars are social insects. They build their silky "tents" in the forks of trees. This tent serves as their communal home.

The tent provides caterpillars with shelter from birds and wasps and from rain or strong sun. 

It acts like a miniature greenhouse, helping them regulate their body temperature. They can move within the layers of the tent to find warmer or cooler spots as needed.

Generally, life is good.