Western Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma californicum, the western tent caterpillar, is a moth of the family Lasiocampidae. It is a tent caterpillar. The Western Tent Caterpillar is found in southern Canada, the western United States, and parts of northern Mexico. There are currently six recognized subspecies of M. californicum. Western tent caterpillars are gregarious and will spend a large portion of their time with other caterpillars in silken tents constructed during their larval stage.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Western Tent Caterpillar Moth being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Malacosoma incurva
• Eriogaster lanestris

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Lepidoptera

Family

Lasiocampidae

Genus

Malacosoma

Species

Malacosoma californica

More species