My gardens are infested with the caterpillar whose photo is shown below. The leaves of roses seem to be the first choice, but it also likes the leaves of daylilies.

Is anyone else seeing this caterpillar?

Can anyone identify it?

Thank you.

I think that is Malacosoma americanum, the Eastern tent caterpillar.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/e...

Eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) is one species capable of causing skin rashes. This is the caterpillar that builds tents in the forks of wild cherry trees in early spring. There is only one generation per year, but mature larvae sometimes end up dropping down a shirt collar while wandering in search of a pupation site. These hairs can also cause problems if consumed.

Jean,

Thank you! I think your identification is correct. There are many wild cherry trees along the edge of my small farm, and all are loaded with tents full of caterpillars! Is it normal for them to feast on the leaves of roses? Would they pupate on roses?

CS

Your roses are part of the same Family as the cherry trees, Rosaceae, so that being said, yes, it is normal/likely that they will dine on rose leaves as they seek out a protected area to pupate.

We have found their cocoons attached to the underside of cart handles, window ledges, eaves and under large leaves...any protected area that will keep them dry and safe. This link from University of Kentucky entomology dept has some good info for you.

https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/...

This link is for Lancaster County/Penn State Extension service. Looks like Timothy Abbey would be the best person in your area to ask for the most efficacious way to handle the problem.

http://extension.psu.edu/lanca...


I do hope they don't create too much damage to your roses.

They are all over here, I pick them up and get no rash, I've raised them on Cherry and they turn into moths. Back in my school days in Elementary we had them as class pets and let them go when they turned to moths.

I think that the warning for skin rash is more a possibility than anything. If you tell folks it might, then the bases are covered, Keith.



CS, thank you for the acorns. I hope the info helps.

Moonhowl said:I think that the warning for skin rash is more a possibility than anything. If you tell folks it might, then the bases are covered, Keith.



CS, thank you for the acorns. I hope the info helps.

Oh yeah I understand, I'm just happy I'm not allergic because I love bugs 😎

keithp2012 said:

Oh yeah I understand, I'm just happy I'm not allergic because I love bugs 😎

Me, too

http://gizmodo.com/this-insane...

crawgarden said:http://gizmodo.com/this-insane-caterpillar-infestation-can-be-seen-from-sp-1783726010

The OP was about tent caterpillars, not gypsy moths. Still it's incredible the gypsy moth numbers this year. Someone I know had a huge oak tree, literally had thousands of moths all over it and flying around like every moth in NY was there lol!

Be lucky the Asian gypsy moth doesn't settle, they eat everything the gypsy moths eat here, plus evergreens, and both sexes fly. Imagine if they settled in the US!!

I'm sure like all of the pests they will eventually make there way here.