Malacosoma californicum is a species of moth that famously spend their larval stage gregariously clustered in silken tents, most other moth larvae live a more solitary life. The benefits of living tightly with others of your kin include defense against predation and thermoregulation. By staying close together they are able to maintain a higher body temperature which accelerates their growth. All of the newly hatched larvae shed their exoskeleton at the same time (below) and begin building their new tent.
