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Malacosoma Americana
The species, which is commonly known as "The American Tent-caterpillar," is widely distributed throughout the Appalachian subregion, and at times inflicts considerable injury upon the foliage of trees. It especially affects trees belonging to the Rosaceae, as the wild cherry and wild plum, and attacks apple-orchards with avidity. The great white webs woven by the caterpillars are familiar objects in the rural landscape, detested by the fruit-grower, and equally despised by the man who loves to see trees in perfect leaf. An orchard cobwebbed by the tent-caterpillar is not pleasant to contemplate. The best way to combat these destructive insects is to diligently search for their webs when they first are being formed, and to cut off the branches to which they are attached and burn them. By following this method carefully, their ravages may be held in check.