Which insect builds a web primarily at junctions of branches?

• A. Fall webworm
• B. Gypsy moth
• C. Webworm
• D. Eastern tent caterpillar

Answer: (D)

The behavior being tested is identifying a caterpillar that builds a silk tent at the fork or crotch where branch junctions meet. The Eastern tent caterpillar does this most prominently, creating a communal tent in the crotches of deciduous trees like cherry, apple, and crabapple in spring. The tent stays as a sheltered feeding area for the group as they eat new leaves.

In contrast, the other insects don’t form tents in branch junctions. Fall webworms construct webs around the ends of branches or over clusters of leaves, usually in late summer, not at branch forks. Gypsy moth caterpillars don’t build a communal tent or web. So the distinctive branch-junction tent is a hallmark of the Eastern tent caterpillar.