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Identifying characteristics- Caterpillars are the soft-bodied
larval form of butterflies and moths. The body is worm-like in
appearance, but can have “hairs”. Some of these hairs are spines modified
to sting; caution should be used when handling the larvae. Some will
build structures around their bodies, such as bagworms. They come in a
variety of colors typically made up of browns to greens of many patterns.
Leg number varies too; some of the leafminer species do not have any legs,
whereas other caterpillars can have up to 7 pairs.
Biology-
An adult female butterfly or moth mates and selects a host plant on which
to deposit its eggs. The eggs can be laid singly or in groups. Once
the egg hatches, the larva emerges, and begins to feed on its host plant.
Larvae go though a series of molts (shedding of “skin”) until they reach a
certain size. They then stop feeding and search for a place to
pupate, later to emerge from their pupal cases as winged adults.
Plant injury symptoms-
Depending upon the species, the damage will take different forms. Some
caterpillars will consume entire leaves, whereas others may just eat
holes. Skeletonizers will feed on leaf surface causing patches on leaf.
Leaf-roller caterpillars, on the other hand, will attach leaves together
with silk to hide within. |
Redhumped Oakworm
Symmersia canicasta |
