Indeed, there is a naturally occurring strain of nucleopolyhedrovirus that is specific to white-marked tussock caterpillars and is known to cause rapid collapses of outbreak populations including first-generation caterpillars. Thankfully, there are many natural enemies of this native moth including predators, parasitoids, and pathogens. However, trees that are under stress due to poor site conditions or newly planted trees can suffer health debilitating damage. ![]() Mature trees can recover from heavy single-season defoliation. High populations have been known to completely defoliate small trees in less than a week. Some of the more common plant hosts include apple, basswood, elm, maple, oak, pear, plums, poplars, redbud, rose, sycamore, walnut, and willow.Įarly instar caterpillars feed as leaf skeletonizers and older caterpillars consume the entire leaf leaving behind the larger veins. He distinctive looking caterpillars have been recorded feeding on plants belonging to 116 genera. However, white-mark tussock moths have at least two generations per season and we’ve only experienced first generation caterpillars. Such outbreaks are almost invariably single-season events with no repeat performances the following season. Most often high populations are extremely localized sometimes confined to a single landscape. I received a report from Franklin County of 100% defoliation of a landscape redbud.Īlthough this native moth has the potential to produce widespread outbreaks in Ohio, the reports we’ve received thus far this season fit with its usual behavior. ![]() Curtis Young (OSU Extension, Van Wert County) showed images during this week’s BYGL Zoom Inservice of caterpillars on a variety of hosts including rose and noted he had received reports of hot spots in Allen, Hancock, and Putnam Counties. Heavy localized populations of white-marked tussock moth ( Orgyia leucostigma) caterpillars are being reported in central and western Ohio. By: Joe Boggs, OSU Extension Educator- Originally posted on Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine
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