31. The most sophisticated examples of recruitment communication have been described from the tent caterpillars ( " Malacosoma " ). 32. In the spring of 2001, Kentucky had experienced an extraordinarily heavy infestation of eastern tent caterpillars ( ETCs ). 33. The prime suspects include combinations of unusual factors, from tent caterpillars to wild cherry trees to a microscopic fungus. 34. University of Kentucky scientists and area vets are pointing to Eastern tent caterpillars as the source of the outbreak. 35. Forest tent caterpillars are ectotherms so they rely on sources of heat from the environment to raise their body temperatures. 36. "We also noted heavy infestations of tent caterpillars in both of those previous years, just as we've seen this year. 37. Eastern tent caterpillar larvae are active and vulnerable in early May, when the redbud and saucer magnolias are in bloom. 38. Tent caterpillars are readily recognized because they are diurnal and build conspicuous silk tents in the branches of host trees.39. Rood & Riddle participated in a number of studies and helped determine that eastern tent caterpillars were responsible for the outbreak. 40. But given that the Mariners are dropping down more frequently than the region's tent caterpillars , Piniella isn't investing in the presumption.
