Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 857265

Western Tent Caterpillar Moth
Malacosoma californicum

Observation date: May 25, 2013
Submitted by: Blakeslee
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: My 8-yr-old son wants to keep and feed this caterpillar and release it once it becomes a butterfly or moth. But in order to do so we need to know what to feed it. We live in Santa Fe, NM, where we found it, so no doubt its preferred foods are local and attainable. Thanks!
Status: Resident
Verified by: kmortensen
Verified date: December 27, 2013
Coordinator notes: According to Wagner, these eat alder, aspen, cherry, oak, willow, and others.
Checklist region(s): United States, New Mexico, Santa Fe County