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YELLOWNECKED CATERPILLAR
Mature larva of the YELLOWNECKED CATERPILLAR. |
| Other |
Prominent moth |
| Species |
Datana ministra |
| Common Hosts: |
Apple Malus pumila
Elm Ulmus spp.
Hickories Carya spp.
Maples Acer spp.
Oaks Quercus spp.
Pecan Carya illinoensis
Walnut Juglans nigra
Other hardwoods |
Description |
Adult -- reddish-brow head and body; front pair of wings tan to cinnamon with several dark lines; hind wings yellowish-brown; wingspan approximately 45 mm.
Pupa -- size of adult; shiny dark brown.
Larva -- size variable, approximately 50 mm long when mature; black head, bright orange to yellow neck, black body with 8 thin yellow to white stripes; sparse, long white or gray hairs. |
Importance |
Oaks and hickories are commonly defoliated trees. Several consecutive years of severe defoliation will stress trees so that death may result, especially in combination with other stress factors. Shade trees more often defoliated than forest trees. |
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Adult moths emerge from the soil by late spring, mate, and the females lay eggs on the undersides of leaves. The larvae feed together in colonies during summer and fall. Pupation occurs in the soil during the winter. |
| Number of Generations |
1 generation per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Loss of foliage. Falling frass (dark pellets of caterpillar excrement). Leaves skeletonized by young larvae; older larvae consume all but leave petioles. Caterpillars rear into U-shape when disturbed. Crown thinning and/or branch dieback. |
| Similiar Damage |
WALNUT CATERPILLAR: no yellow neck; long white denser hairs; yellowish-white stripes on back. Biology and Habits and Signs of Infestation are similar. See Control recommendations. |
Control |
- Predators, parasites, disease, and unfavorable weather usually keep caterpillar populations at low levels. Outbreaks are rare. Promote tree vigor and health to aid in the recovery from defoliation. Use an approved insecticide for high-value trees or extremely damaging moth populations.
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Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
