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ID of a Caterpillar on our Hardy Hibiscus? [photos]

prairiemoon2 z6b MA

14 years ago

I have two Hardy Hibiscus in my garden. One I started from seed which is planted on one side of the yard, no caterpillar or other damage. The other is a hybrid 'Plum Crazy' that I bought at a nursery, and is planted on the opposite side of the yard from the first. That is the one with the caterpillars making a mess of the foliage. I already hand picked as many as I could find a few weeks ago and thought they were gone, but they are back. I was hoping someone here could help me identify what caterpillar this is and if anyone has any suggestions that are non toxic for how to get rid of them, so I won't have a problem with them next year, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.... :-)

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Comments (4)

anitamo
14 years ago
Hi PM...It could be the hibiscus sawfly. If so, maybe look into insecticidal soap to control them.
jean001
14 years ago
Yes, looks like a sawfly.

Handpicking works well as does flicking into soapy water.
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prairiemoon2 z6b MA
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Anita... :-) Thanks, it's good to have a name for it so I can look it up and find out a little more about them. I wonder what the predator would be for that?

Thanks Jean...

So I'll try handpicking some more and if that doesn't work, insecticidal soap. There seems to be a bug for just about every plant!
tracey_nj6
14 years ago
I get them every year, and am anti chemical so I end up handpicking with a designated tweezer and slapping them into a cup of soapy water. It's therapeutic for me ;)

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