Malacosoma disstria

The caterpillar is sometimes called the "forest tent caterpillar", although it does not build a tent like other Malacosoma species - merely a platform of silk when young. When disturbed, the caterpillars wriggle violently. Moths of the genus Malacosoma are sometimes referred to as "lackeys". This species is usually abundant on southern Vancouver Island, but less so than the next species, and less so than in some other parts of North America.