[Arid_gardener] Sophora caterpiller

[Linda Drew]

Sophora Worms

Scientific name: Uresiphita reversalis

Order = Lepidoptera, Family = Pyralidae

Adults called Pyralid moth or Genista broom moth

DESCRIPTION:

The caterpillars are approximately 1 inch long when full grown. They are 
orange or green with small patches of white hairs coming out of dark spots. 
Eggs are laid in masses and young larvae produce webs and feed in groups. As 
larvae mature, they spread throughout the plant. They often leave the plant 
to pupate on buildings near by. There are two generations each year.

Hosts: Most commonly found on Sophora secundiflora, Texas Mountain Laurel, 
but also found on crape myrtle, and honeysuckle

Damage: The larva does the damage as it feeds on the young, tender leaves of 
new growth as well as occasionally on the older leaves and stems of the 
plant. This feeding damage can be small tracks and pin-holes caused by the 
tiny, newly hatched worms, as well as feeding damage on the edges of the 
leaves from larger, more mature worms. Additionally you will sometimes see 
leaf curl where the feeding has scarred young leaves, and caused them to 
grow misshapen. Even these damaged leaves are benefiting the tree by 
continuing to photosynthesize and produce food for the growing tree. Once 
the tree has enough healthy growth, it will often drop the damaged leaves.

Management: No management may be required on mature plants as the worms 
rarely consume enough foliage to damage the plant. However, young and/or 
newly installed plants with a small canopy may need to be protected. 
Handpicking is an effective control in small gardens.

BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) is also an effective management tool. If you 
chose to spray BT, don't waste your time and money spraying mature leaves. 
Maximize your success by focusing your efforts on the tender new growth 
where the eggs will be laid and the young larva will be feeding. The insect 
must eat leaf tissue with BT on it in order to ingest the poison, so expect 
minor damage as new generations hatch out, even when you get the population 
under control. Follow the instructions on the label closely for recommended 
application rates and timing. You may need to re-apply after a rain which 
may wash the BT residue off the leaves  There is no benefit to treating 
until you actually see the eggs and worms, generally in the early summer 
after the bloom.

http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/sophoraworm.htm

Linda Drew
Master Gardener volunteer

>From: Cathyn3 at hotmail.com
>To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page
>Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:17:58 -0700 (MST)
>
>Cathy
>86403
>Cathyn3 at hotmail.com
>
>How can I control the caterpillars on my sophora?
>
>
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>Arid_gardener mailing list
>Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
>http://CALS.arizona.edu/mailman2/listinfo/arid_gardener

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