amazing layers of eastern tent caterpillar web

Note the layers on this tough web. We counted about five layers protecting only ten caterpillars. Some of the slightly larger tents contained several hundred so we think this was a more recently constructed overflow web. This web is about 10 inches long. See picture below for scale.

The tent of the eastern tent caterpillar is among the largest built by any tent caterpillar. The tents are constructed in the crotch of the host tree and are typically oriented so that the broadest face of the structure faces the southeast, taking advantage of the morning sun. The caterpillars typically add silk to the structure at the onset of each of their daily activity periods. Silk is added directly to the surface of the tent as the caterpillars walk back and forth over the structure. The silk is laid down under slight tension and it eventually contracts, causing the newly spun layer of silk to separate from the previously spun layer. The tent thus consists of discrete layers separated by gaps within which the caterpillars rest. The tent has openings that allow the caterpillars to enter and exit the structure. Openings are formed where branches jut from the structure but are most common at the apex of the tent. (via Widipedia)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_tent_caterpillar
www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/pest_al/etc/etc.htm
ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2022.html