Jan 9, 2018
The redhumped caterpillar is a familiar pest on fruit and nut trees such as plum, almond, cherry, and apple, as well as on ornamental trees like liquidambar and birch. It can reach high populations in California's Central Valley, sometimes defoliating entire trees.
Two redhumped caterpillar larvae on a plum branch. (Photo: Belinda Messenger-Sikes)
The newly revised Pest Notes: Redhumped Caterpillar, authored by Emily Symmes, UC IPM and UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento Valley and Steve Dreistadt, UC Statewide IPM Program, describes the pest, its life cycle, and how the insect damages plants. The peer-reviewed publication also describes management techniques, including use of insectary plants, cultural controls, and biological control.