GliderCENTRAL

Tent Caterpillars???

Posted By: Anonymous

Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 05:36 AM

Can someone tell me if the Tent Caterpillar is ok for gliders to eat. I have never considered feeding them before, but there is an aweful lot of them out here. So far, I have read that what they eat on may cause toxicity as well as the possibility of irritant hairs. As for the hairs, I don't know, but the University of Kentucky Entomology states that the "Eastern tent caterpillar nests are commonly found on wild cherry, apple, and crabapple, but may be found on hawthorn, maple, cherry, peach, pear and plum as well."
Any suggestions???
Posted By: KattyM

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 06:33 AM

Huh, I haven't got a clue. I thought tent caterpillars were caterpillars you took in with you during tent time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hopefully someone with some firsthand experience or knowledge will be along shortly.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 09:15 AM

I wouldend do it, most Caterpillar are poisenis dont matter what they eat. so keep it save and dont do it. (even if they are save it could happen you make a misstake and give a wrong Caterpillar)
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 11:04 AM

Stick to just mealies ;]
Posted By: Paula0442

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 02:07 PM

I think that would be a big NO!

But,ask Mikey Bustos. I'll bet he would know.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 03:03 PM

All caterpillars, and that includes tent caterpillars as well, are included in the no-no critter foodlist that I posted awhile back. Plus, I know there is a species of tent caterpillar that feeds on black cherry, which if I'm not mistaken is included in the poisonous plants list. Also, you may want to stay away from caterpillars with hair.

Mikey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 03:13 PM

Yes, I just checked and apparently cherry trees exhibit a rating of 4.5 on that toxicity scale, which indicates "major toxicity", and I believe it's the leaves in particular that contain the toxic compounds. The tent caterpillars consume these leaves, and I wouldn't risk feeding them to your glider, though they may be abundant at certain times of the year.

Mikey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 06:02 PM

ok now I`m really confused about this because I have been feeding the caterpillars from the can...Can`O`Pillars. I had asked here on GC about them and everyone said they`re ok to feed. I haven`t had any problems with them, should I stop? My gliders love them, they chirp while eating them <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Tent Caterpillars??? - 04/29/06 08:25 PM

Commercially available caterpillars are ok. Infact, waxworms, silkworms, and hornworms sold as feeders are major items for feeding animals of the insectivore pet trade. When I mentioned that all caterpillars should be avoided, I was referring to wild caterpillars.

Mikey <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" />
© 2024 GliderCENTRAL