| There are little less than 1 inch greem with light wite spots on them catepillars? Will they just go for my colimbine flowers? |
| I suspect the caterpillars are the larvae of the Columbine Sawfly (Pristophora aquilegiae). These green caterpillar-like larvae feed on columbine leaves, often defoliating plants just as they begin to bloom. Feeding begins at the leaf margins and progresses inward. They may be difficult to find because they can grip the edge of the leaf with their back legs and hide beneath the leaf when they sense someone approaching. Small plants can be quickly defoliated, leaving only green twiggy stumps behind. You'll want to control these pests either by hand picking them or by using products containing acephate, pyrethrins, permethrins, or spinosad. One example of a permethrin based product is Bonide?s Total Pest Control. Be sure to apply according to label directions. |
