Re: [SG] Insect I.D.?
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Insect I.D.?
- From: m* l*
- Date: Sat, 3 Jul 1999 11:13:05 -0600
At 11:23 AM 7/3/99 -0500, Roberta Diehl wrote:
>Can anyone help me identify some long, slender caterpillars that are
>feeding on and making webs on my Baptisia? I have never seen them in my
>yard before and my insect book is not helping, as I found nothing like
>them pictured. Parts of the Baptisia are turning black, looking as if they
>have been burned.
>
>the caterpillars are max. 1-1/2" long and 1/8" in diameter and have rather
>pretty markings. Background color is a dull avocado green, and they have
>regular bright white and black dots on them in straight rows. Looks like
>they have tiny black horns at the head ends.
>
>I noticed several business-like looking wasp critters flying around and
>appearing very interested in these caterpillars.
>
>Should I cut off and dispose of all branches containing these
>caterpillars, leave some for the wasps, or leave them all alone?
>
>Bobbi Diehl
>Bloomington, IN
>zone 5/6
Bobbi, I bought Peterson First Guide to caterpillars, with color
pictures,at Borders last year for $4.95. I don't know what kind the
caterpillars are, but I suspect the wasps are looking for smaller larvae
with which to provision their egg cells.
Margaret L
