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Spiny
Elm Caterpillar
Caterpillars Feeding on Deciduous Tree Leaves
- Primarily elm and hackberry.
Spiny elm caterpillar
Photo: USDA Forest Service, Alaska Archives,
through Forestry
Images.
The
spiny elm caterpillars feed in groups and can defoliate sections
of tree that can be quite noticeable. Smaller trees can
be entirely defoliated. Generally in Cheyenne, the caterpillars
do little damage to larger trees. The hosts are elm, hackberry,
willow, aspen, cottonwoods, and other poplars. On smaller
trees the caterpillars can be picked off and killed. Use
gloves the spines can poke. Larger trees can be sprayed
after leaf emergence and expansion in the spring with carbaryl,
or Bacillus thuringiensis (kurstaki strain).
Mourning cloak butterfly is the adult stage
of the spiny elm caterpillar.
Photo: Edward H. Holsten, U.S. Forest Service,
through Forestry
Images.
Links:
Colorado
State University Cooperative Extension
University
of Wyoming - Cooperative Extension Service,
publication B-1035 is particularly helpful for tree care.
This online publication contains information on: Aphids, Borers,
Cottonwood blotch leaf miners, Cytospora canker, Fireblight, Gall
makers, Aspen leaf spots, Oystershell scale, Pear slugs, Powdery
mildew, and Spider mites.
Questions?
E-Mail
Forestry Division
If
possible, take a couple of digital photos of your tree or shrub
and include them with your questions. One photo should be a close
up of the problem area. The second photo should be of the entire
tree if possible.
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