HPIPM:Defoiliating Caterpillars Spinach

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Holometabola
Order	Lepidoptera
Superfamily	Lasiocampoidea
Family	Lasiocampidae
Subfamily	Malacosominae
Tribe	Malacosomini
Genus	Malacosoma

Scientific Name

Malacosoma americana

Scientific Name Synonyms

Malacosoma americanum

Common Name

eastern tent caterpillar

Author: Whitney S. Cranshaw

Identification (and life cycle/seasonal history)

Several species of caterpillars can feed on lettuce. Adult moths emerge and mate in late spring, soon after laying eggs on plant leaves.

Cultural Controls

Row covers are effective in excluding loopers and preventing egg laying

Biological Control

Loopers are preyed upon by several generalist predators, such as wasps and spider. Parasites and viral diseases also commonly kill loopers. Bacillus thuringiensis is effective in killing larval stages.

Chemical control

Insecticides should be employed to prevent excessive defoliation.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.