Redhumped caterpillar
Schizura concinna
16 host plants
Last updated
Yellow caterpillars with white longitudinal stripes bordered in red, black head capsules, and a distinctive red hump on the fourth body segment appear on cherry, apricot, and rose foliage during April and May. Mature larvae reach 25-35mm and feed in groups, consuming entire leaves and leaving only midveins. Young larvae skeletonize leaf tissue, while older instars can completely defoliate branches.
Look for egg masses on undersides of terminal leaves; removing them prevents damage. Inspect trees weekly for feeding groups. Well-established trees tolerate defoliation, but protect young plants. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray targets young caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.
Quick Reference
Monitoring & Action
Monitoring On hosts where this insect has been a problem, look for redhumped cater- pillars in April and May
The redhumped caterpillar is the larvae of a 1' gray-brown moth. The mature larvae are yellow with a red head and hump, and have orange, black, and white lengthwise stripes. The body of the caterpillar also has dark 'spikes' on it. Young redhumped caterpillars are found in clustered colonies which disperse as caterpillars mature. They eat entire leaves (except the major veins) and can cause considerable defoliation.
Cultural Controls
- Cut out and destroy colonies before they disperse.
- Hand-pick and destroy individual caterpillars.
Host Plants (16)
Sources & References
Primary: PNW Insect Management Handbook