Foliage-feeding caterpillars
Most flowers are susceptible to damage from caterpillars
of one or more species. Caterpillars are the immature or
larval stage of moths and butterflies. Only
the larval stage chews plants. Although
adults consume only liquids, such as nectar and water, they
are important because they choose which plants to lay eggs
on. Larvae have three pairs of legs on the thorax (the
area immediately behind the head) and leglike appendages
on some, but not all, segments of the abdomen.
Identification
of species | Life
cycle
Damage
Caterpillars chew irregular holes in foliage or blossoms or entirely consume seedlings, young shoots, buds, leaves, or flowers. Some caterpillars fold or roll leaves together with silk to form shelters. Caterpillar feeding can kill or retard the growth of young plants.
Solutions
Handpick. Eliminate nearby weeds, which may host caterpillars. Provide proper cultural care to allow older plants to outgrow and replace any damaged tissue after infestations are controlled. Applications of Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad can be effective against larvae, especially when caterpillars are small. Natural control by viral diseases, general predators, and parasites (Hyposoter, Copidosoma, Trichogramma) is often effective.
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Tobacco budworm larva
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