Zebra Caterpillar

Contents

Identification

Fact Sheet (requires Acrobat Reader 3.x or above to read and print. Click below to download the free "Reader".)

Registered Insecticides

References

[Insect Management]

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Zebra Caterpillar Larva	Zebra Caterpillar Adult
	Mature larvae are 35 to 40 mm long, with prominent black and yellow longitudinal stripes.  The mid-dorsal line is pale and may be well developed or absent. The top stripe is black. The top-lateral stripe and the stripe below the spiracles is cream to bright yellow, and the spiracle stripe and bottom stripe is black marked with numerous white lines and spots. The underside is light re-brown or yellow.  The head is reddish-brown. Adults have a wingspan of 35 to 40 mm.  The head, thorax, and forewings are reddish-brown, usually with purple mottling on the wings. This pest overwinters as a larva or pupa in the soil.  Adults emerge in June and lay eggs in clusters.  Larvae feed for 4 to 6 weeks in late June, July, and early August, then pupate in the soil.  Adults emerge in late August.  There are two generations each year.
Zebra Caterpillar Larva	View the Fact Sheet for More Information

This section contains information on the management of zebra caterpillar in peppermint.  The Fact Sheet contains specific information on identifcation and biology of this pest (requires Acrobat Reader).  Zebra caterpillar often occurs about the same time as variegated cutworm and other foliage feeding cutworms and armyworms. Refer to information on variegated cutworm for information on management of zebra caterpillar and other cutworms and armyworms.