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California tent caterpillar

Malacosoma californica californica

Caterpillar with yellow and black striped body in web tents. Feeds on native oaks, willows, and cherries; feeds birds in spring.

Plants that support California tent caterpillar

2 plants

Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia

moderate

tree

Documented larval host plant, caterpillars feed on foliage Mar-Jun

Bay Area native

Valley Oak

Quercus lobata

high

tree

Primary host plant; larval development Feb-May

Bay Area nativeKeystone species