Forest tent caterpillars

More information

• US Forest Service site

2006 Infestation

This horrifying display appeared on the path between Mission and Sawyer.

Photographs

• Map near Jesup

References to caterpillars in academic discussions

• Paper presented in ARTH 405 on how the caterpillars were creating new public spaces by interrupting traditional pedestrian routes, and how the infested trees represented public art because they caused students and faculty who never knew each other before to gather around in order to collectively witness the unusual phenomenon.

Chronology

May 2	First discussion appeared, in which Evan Miller misidentified the caterpillars as being gypsy moth caterpillars.
May 3	Second discussion initiated.
May 8	Anti- and pro- caterpillar chalkings appear.
May 8	"LEVITATING CATERPILLARS AHHH!!!!!!" discussion initiated.
May 9	Email sent by Dave Fitzgerald, Horticulturist and Grounds Supervisor, clarifying the situation.

Map of infestation centers

The following map points out places to avoid because of extreme concentrations of caterpillars. This was Sunmi Yang's idea. Please add more, but don't delete them as the infestation diminishes, as this will be a permanent record of this historic event.

<googlemap lat="42.712792959940266" lon="-73.20383548736572" zoom="16" type="satellite"> 42.712808726245186,-73.20517659187317,Tree in front of Morty's house 42.713045220338415,-73.20627093315125,Bit of sidewalk outside of Faculty House, just to the side of Park Street 42.712075588829215,-73.20663571357727,Back entrance to Bronfman Science Center 42.71278507678631,-73.20323467254639,Sawyer Lawn/church side entrance to Hopkins Hall </googlemap>