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If the caterpillars hatch in the spring and feed on oak catkins they appear green. If they hatch in the summer they appear dark colored, like oak twigs. The differential development is linked to the tannin content in the diet. [15] Caterpillars may even have spines or growths that resemble plant parts such as thorns.
The tree in which a female deposits the eggs is where the larvae will choose to feed. The most common host plants that caterpillars feed on are leaves from stonefruit trees. However, larvae will feed on many other types of tree foliage. Adult moths do not eat and live for 1–4 days. [7]
The following description of the tent caterpillar life cycle is based on that of the eastern tent caterpillar, the best-known species. The details of the life histories of other species vary to a small extent. Tent caterpillars hatch from their eggs in the early spring at the time the leaves of their host trees are just unfolding.
When the caterpillars leave the nest to feed or over-winter, they form a characteristic single-file procession hence the common name of ‘processionary caterpillars’. [6] The caterpillar over-winters underground from May to October, then spins a cocoon and forms a puparium between September and November (Spring). [ 2 ]
The caterpillars are mostly found in oak trees or on the ground under them in late spring and early summer, and do not live on fences, walls, etc. as other caterpillars do. They have very long, white hairs contrasting markedly with shorter hairs. [1] The caterpillars of several other species may be mistaken for the oak processionary. [3]
The later-instar caterpillars are seen between July and October. [4] They feed in groups of about 100 or so in the early instars, [4] skeletonizing leaves. Older larvae are solitary. They grow up to 4.5 centimeters long before pupating. Larvae primarily feed on hickory, pecan, and walnuts, but will also eat ash, elm, oak, willow, and other ...
The host plant selection is vital because it provides the food source for the young caterpillars. Females are known to have multiple broods, [ 17 ] typically up to two to three. [ 8 ] The newly hatched caterpillars will group together until they shed their skin—termed an instar for each shedding.
Flight time and emergence are dependent on temperature and other climatic factors. As soon as the moths emerge, they copulate, oviposit first generation eggs, and caterpillars that arise from the eggs bore into the fruits. Therefore, it is critical to predict the time of emergence of the moths in the spring to minimize damages to the crops.