Knowledgebase

What are these caterpillars? #867215

Asked May 06, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT

Hi, I noticed an a lot of early stage caterpillars on my sweetbay magnolia tree this morning. I could be wrong, but they don’t look like spongy moth or tent caterpillars to me. I was wondering if someone could identify them or point me in the right direction.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

These are not caterpillars but are millipedes -- they are harmless and are only feeding on organic debris and/or are temporarily wandering about escaping soggy soil from recent rains. Millipedes are good recyclers of plant debris in the soil (where they usually live) and do not need removal or control; they'll disappear soon enough once the weather dries out again.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 06, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT
Great, thanks so much!

Sent from my iPhone

On May 6, 2024, at 11:48 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
You're welcome!
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 06, 2024, 12:29 PM EDT

Loading ...