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As the caterpillars grow, they continue to enlarge the nest and it becomes the center of their activity. As nearby leaves are consumed, the caterpillars move farther from the nest to find food but always return to the structure after feeding. Efficient movement between the nest and distant feeding sites is facilitated by trail marking. Although the frequently used pathways leading from the tent to feeding sites are covered with silk, studies suggest that a trail pheromone rather than the physical properties of the silk guides the caterpillars as they move along the trails.