tiny caterpillars eating my redbud leaves - Ask Extension
These tiny caterpillars seem to swarm one leaf at a time and completely consume it. I have only found them on a few leaves, but LOTS of them on the af...
Knowledgebase
tiny caterpillars eating my redbud leaves #878540
Asked July 24, 2024, 10:30 AM EDT
These tiny caterpillars seem to swarm one leaf at a time and completely consume it. I have only found them on a few leaves, but LOTS of them on the afflicted leaves. First picture shows a leaf in a jar after I first cut it. Second picture is after they ate half the same leaf. Aside from cutting off affected leaves as I find them (hard to do since some are too high), what can I do? Thanks.
Frederick County Maryland
Expert Response
We think these may be very early-instar (life stage) of Red-humped Caterpillars.
Red-humped caterpillars are native insects that are on a native tree and will be eaten by native birds and other wildlife.
If the tree is large it isn't going to harm the tree.
They all evolved together in harmony over eons and it would be considered a sign of a good ecosystem.
Christine
Red-humped caterpillars are native insects that are on a native tree and will be eaten by native birds and other wildlife.
If the tree is large it isn't going to harm the tree.
They all evolved together in harmony over eons and it would be considered a sign of a good ecosystem.
Christine
