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Hungry caterpillars can cause a lot of damage to your precious plants. Your best defense is to scout your landscape on a regular basis. Look over your plants carefully a couple of times a week. If you see chewing damage, try to find the critter responsible. It's probably a caterpillar. Source: Gardening in a Minute, Caterpillars on Ornamentals

Caterpillars are the larval stage of insects in the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths.

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Related Topics: Caterpillars, Biting and Stinging Organisms

Publications


Showing 13 of 13 Publications

Hickory Horned Devil (Larva), Regal Moth or Royal Walnut Moth (Adult), Citheronia regalis (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Ceratocampinae)

Donald W. Hall

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management This document provides an in-depth profile of the regal moth, Citheronia regalis, and its larval stage, the hickory horned devil. It covers the moth's distribution, physical description, life cycle, host plants, and natural enemies. The regal moth is notable for its large size and striking appearance. The hickory horned devil, despite its fierce look, is harmless and should be relocated if found in unsuitable environments. The article emphasizes the importance of preserving these moths and provides detailed information for both laypersons and academic audiences. Original publication date August 1998.

Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth, Empyreuma pugione (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

Heather McAuslane

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an overview of the spotted oleander caterpillar, Empyreuma affinis, a less common and less destructive species compared to the oleander caterpillar in Florida. It details the caterpillar's introduction, distribution, physical description, life cycle, and the minimal damage it causes to oleander plants. The document emphasizes that control measures are generally unnecessary due to the caterpillar's rarity and solitary feeding habits. Additionally, it highlights the role of natural predators and parasitoids in managing the population of this caterpillar species. First published: November, 1997.

Oleander Caterpillar, Syntomeida epilais Walker (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

Heather J. McAuslane

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. The oleander caterpillar, Syntomeida epilais Walker, is a notable pest in Florida and southern Georgia, causing significant defoliation of oleander plants. Native to the Caribbean, this species has adapted to feeding on oleander since its introduction in the 17th century. The caterpillar's life cycle includes distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with management strategies focusing on biological and cultural controls to mitigate damage.

Forest Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)

James R. Meeker

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Spanish Moth or Convict Caterpillar, Xanthopastis timais (Cramer) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

John B. Heppner, Kathryn A. Barbara, and Eileen A. Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Saltmarsh Caterpillar, Estigmene acrea (Drury) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

John L. Capinera
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Puss Caterpillar (Larva), Southern Flannel Moth (Adult), Megalopyge opercularis (J. E. Smith 1797) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Megalopygidae)

Donald W. Hall
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Cabbage Palm Caterpillar Litoprosopus futilis (Grote & Robinson) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Eulepidotinae)

Geo Wallace Dekle
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Azalea Caterpillar, Datana major Grote & Robinson (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

G. W. Dekle and T. R. Fasulo

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Velvetbean Caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hübner) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Kathryn A. Barbara

This document provides a detailed profile of the velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis, a significant pest of soybean in Florida and the southeastern U.S. It covers the caterpillar's distribution, life cycle, and identification features. The document highlights the damage caused by the caterpillar, management strategies including natural enemies, insecticides, and cultural practices. It also discusses the importance of host plant resistance and biological control methods. The document is part of the Featured Creatures collection by UF/IFAS Extension. Published: September 2000.

Saddleback Caterpillar Acharia stimulea (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

Christopher S. Bibbs and J. Howard Frank

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management