WHAT IS THAT CATERPILLAR ON MY OAK TREE? PAM

ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR BY
ADVOCACY & GRASSROOTS AT CATERPILLAR WE WANT TO
“A CATERPILLAR’S VOICE” CHARACTERS NARRATOR 1

BROWNTAIL MOTH CATERPILLAR FACT SHEET WHAT ARE BROWNTAIL MOTHS
C IRCULAR NO 132 SEPTEMBER 2010 LOOPER CATERPILLAR A
CATERPILLAR 1 SEPARATE 4 5 OR 6 CUPS FROM

What is that caterpillar on my oak tree

What is that caterpillar on my oak tree? Pam D. Atascadero

By Tami Reece UCCE Master Gardener

The California oakworm is probably your pest. The life cycle of an oak moth starts with an egg, which hatches and develops into a larva (caterpillar); eventually transforming into a chrysalis (pupa), then, finally fully maturing into the adult California oakworm moth. The oakworm is a small light green caterpillar with a dark brown head and dark stripes on their sides. The oakworm moth may be spotted during the summer months.
The California oakworm’s favorite food of choice is a California native, the coast live oak. Don't panic! Healthy oaks will tolerate oakworm feeding and even defoliation without serious harm. Therefore, treatment to control oakworms is usually not recommended. Control oakworms and protect oaks with an integrated pest management (IPM) program that relies primarily on the conservation of natural enemies and good cultural practices. Yellow jackets, garden spiders and birds are good predators of oakworms. Providing a birdbath may help increase the presence of birds in your yard. For more information and photos of the California oakworm moth and larva, visit the UC IPM website - http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7422.html.

Be sure that your tree is healthy and can withstand an oakworm outbreak by considering the cultural care of your tree. Mature oaks do not need irrigation, unless supplemental irrigation is needed during a time of winter drought. Oak trees can be adversely affected by well-watered lawns, compacted soil, or damaged roots caused by construction or nearby pavement. UC ANR offers a free download of their publication "Living Among the Oaks", a guide to keeping your oak trees healthy so they can thrive for generations to come.

Save the Date!!! Saturday September 6, 2014, 10:00 to 2:00, is the UCCE Master Gardeners 8th Annual Tomato Extravaganza. Tomato and basil tasting, guest speakers and lots of fun in the garden! See you there!!!



CATERPILLAR BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI BROWN AND FURRY CATERPILLAR IN
CATERPILLAR DEALERS USED PARTS ASSOCIATION “SECOND LIFE” 33RD
CATERPILLAR FOUNDATION US FACILITY GRANT APPLICATION THE CATERPILLAR


Tags: caterpillar on, green caterpillar, caterpillar, tree?