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Weeder’s digest September 2019 September is a magic time at Giverny. In Monet’s gardens, all the summer flowers had ample time to settle and offer generously their fascinating beauty. It is an endless surprise to discover the latest varieties of giant dahlias, picked out from the thousands of existing cultivars. They combine in the pink border above with cleomes, sages, zinnias, roses and ageratums, displaying all the different tones from pale pink to deep purple. More on page 24. In this issue: Fall Plant Sale ...................... 2 Fall Plant Sales .................. 18 MGCG News ..................... 3-7 Caterpillars ........................ 19-23 MGEV News ..................... 8-13 Monet ................................ 24 Blooms............................... 14-17 MGCG Organization ............ 25 The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news 2 The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news FALL PLANT SALE September 21, 2019 State Farmers Market 2055 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon Please have plant information for tags to [email protected] by Septem- ber 10th. Then, pick up your tags at the MGCG Joint Meeting, on September 17th. Please have plants at sale by 7:00 a.m. with the plant tags in place. Remember, this is a one-day sale which begins for the public at 9am and ends at 4pm. Christine Kelly will be the point person, to make final decisions regarding plants. Ann Amis, Eleanor Sikes, Brenda Wilson and James Dominy will be helping. James might need help in putting up signs, please offer. Jill Peavy will be the point person for Garden Items. If an item is not sold and will be used for the Conference, please notify Jill of your plans to pick it up at the end of day. Larry Gunter and Eleanor are bringing cases of water. Please feel free to bring finger food to share with others. If you are leaving the sale for lunch, please remember to think of those in charge, and they might need food. Vivi- an is there all day, offer! Kathy Hensley is in charge of the “Ask-A-Master Gardener” booth. [email protected] Andrea Turner has volunteered to clean the area on Friday and will clean up after sale! When you see her—Thank her! “Thank you”, to each Master Gardener for all the help to date and future help to make this a ”100% Profit.” Fall Plant Sale. 3 The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news Have you registered for the GMGA Garden Conference? It is NOT too late! REGISTER HERE! Since MGCG is hosting this event, it only makes sense that we should have a majority of our members in attendance. The Friday evening reception, to which all attendees are invited, is free of charge and will be held at The Farmhouse. “Nestled in the midst of live oaks, magnolias, and pecans, The Farmhouse is a peaceful oasis in the heart of town. One of the oldest homes in Warner Robins with its heart pine floors, nostalgic front porch, and classic décor, this location offers a comfortable escape in a relaxed environment for your gathering or event. The Farmhouse provides its guests with a down home feeling - an experience of Southern charm and gentility.” Come and enjoy a truly Southern welcome with light refreshments from 5:00—7:00 p.m. on October 18th. Book signing! Dr. Dirr will be in residence and signing his books. Don’t miss this opportunity to chat with him. Remember, you can purchase his new book through Diane Stephens. The Tree Book by Michael A. Dirr and Keith S. Warren Michael A. Dirr, professor emeritus, horticulture, University of Georgia, is wide- ly acknowledged as one of the leading experts on trees and shrubs for land- scapes and gardens. He has introduced over 200 woody plants to cultivation and holds 29 patents with the UGA Research Foundation. Dr. Dirr continues to work in perfect harmony with the American nursery industry to introduce and pro- mote new trees and shrubs. Co-author Keith S. Warren has shaped the American landscape through the in- troduction of tree cultivars. He spent a 40 year career with Frank Schmidt and Son Co., as a nursery manager and Director of Product Development. His breeding, selection, and cooperative introduction programs were among the most productive ever, guiding 87 new tree cultivars to commercial introduction, including 37 trademarked or patented trees from his personal breeding and se- lection work. “The Tree Book” is one we’ve all been waiting for. The photos are superb, making tree identification much easier than it has been previously. It’s an invaluable reference tool, covering a massive 2,400+ species and culti- vars. Each tree profile includes the common and botanical names along with details on foliage; flowers, seeds, fruits, and cones; native range; adaptability; and popular uses in landscapes. Contact Diane Stephens at [email protected] to get YOUR copy! 4 The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news GMGA Garden Conference Our Georgia Master Gardener Conference will be held on October 19, 2019 at the Museum of Aviation Century of Flight Building, Warner Robins, Georgia. Conference starts promptly at 8:30am. The 2019 Garden Conference is open to all Master Gardeners, Gardeners, Green Industry Professionals and Consumers. Our Conference Speakers include Dr. Michael Dirr, Professor Emeritus University of Geor- gia, globally recognized as “the expert” on woody plants; Dr. K. Coder, Professor Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, a world renowned expert on urban trees; Mary Lynn Beckley, Executive Director Georgia Urban Council, will present Georgia Landmark & Historic Trees; The Nichols Brothers, owners of Mr. Maple Nursery, will speak on Japanese Maple selections and their travels in Japan; Mark Maher, Southern Living, will share new plant introductions! Master Gardeners and Industry Professionals can receive educational credits. There are 3 credits for Forestry; 3 credits for Ornamental / Turf; and 2 credits for private pesticide. The Garden Market will be open on Saturday, October 19th from 8:30 – 4:30pm. The Friday Reception and garden tours are free. Come join us for a great conference and a taste of South- ern hospitality! REGISTER NOW! 2019 GMGA Conference Speakers: Dr. Michael A. Dirr “75 Years of Gardening. The Endless Quest for the Next Great Garden Plant” Michael A. Dirr, professor emeritus, horticulture, University of Georgia, is widely acknowledged as one of the leading experts on trees and shrubs for landscapes and gardens. He holds BS and MS degrees in horticulture from The Ohio State University and the Ph.D. from the University of Massachu- setts. Dirr has introduced over 200 woody plants to cultivation and holds 29 patents with the UGA Research Foundation. With two partners, he estab- lished Plant Introductions, Inc., a breeding and introduction company in 2006, selling it to Bailey Nurseries in 2015. Dirr continues to work in lockstep with the American nursery industry to introduce and promote new trees and shrubs. Dr. Kim D. Coder “Trees Gone With The Wind – Big Wind and Ice Storms Making Proper Tree Care Even More Important” Professor of Tree Biology and Health Care, and Hill Fellow for Distinguished Public Service and Outreach, at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, USA. He has degrees from Iowa State University in forestry, tree biology, and forest ecology. Dr. Coder was elected world President of the Interna- tional Society of Arboriculture, and served as President of the South- ern Chapter of ISA, the international Arboriculture Research & Educa- tion Academy (AREA), and the Georgia Urban Forest Council. He was appointed to the USDA-Secretary’s NUCFAC, advising on community forestry issues. Dr. Coder is author of over 500 technical publications and articles. He is an international lecturer and consultant to private citizens, corporations, attorneys, and communities on tree health care, tree anatomy, abiotic tree stress, lightning and tree protection, storm damage, biomechanics, and community forest ecology. 5 The Weeder’s Digest august 2019 MGCG news Region of the International Plant Propagator’s Soci- ety. Mr. Mark Maher “Trialed and Prov- en, New and Better Plants” Mark Maher has worked in the horti- cultural industry for over 30 years. He has a degree in Landscape Manage- ment from UGA and is a Certified Land- scape Professional. He worked at Pike Nursery for 15 year sand is now in sales for Flowerwood Nur- sery, a wholesale Mary Lynne Beckley nursery and grower “Georgia’s Landmark and Historic Trees” of such brands as the Encore Azaleas® and the Executive Director Georgia Tree Council since Southern Living® Plant Collection. 2005. Her mission is to sustain Georgia’s green leg- acy by partnering with organizations, individuals and Sherri Dorn communities. “Plants & Peo- ple: Connec- tions for the Fu- ture” Sheri Dorn joined University of Georgia’s De- partment of Horti- culture as Exten- sion Horticulturist for Consumer Ornamentals and Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program Coordinator in June 2012. Sheri fully appreciates Master Gar- dener Extension volunteers and their role as educa- Matthew and Tim Nichols tion partners with Extension, having worked with “A Shared Passion for Japanese Maples” MGEVs in her position as a former state coordinator Matt and Tim Nichols are the co-owners of for the Virginia Master Gardener Volunteer Program MrMaple.com and MrGinko.com. Their nursery is (1996-1999) and as an Agriculture and Natural Re- located in East Flat Rock, NC. While most of their sources Extension Agent in Roanoke, Virginia (2008 business is online sales, a visit to the nursery -2012). Additionally, Sheri brings to her UGA roles can be scheduled. Both brothers are accomplished nearly ten years of industry experience, having co- grafters and work to continuously improve their pro- owned a small retail nursery and landscape con- cess.
Recommended publications
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    Lesions After Sting

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  • Lepidoptera of North America 5

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  • A New Species of North American Tarantula , Aphonopelma Paloma (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae )

    A New Species of North American Tarantula , Aphonopelma Paloma (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae )

    1992. The Journal of Arachnology 20 :189—199 A NEW SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN TARANTULA , APHONOPELMA PALOMA (ARANEAE, MYGALOMORPHAE, THERAPHOSIDAE ) Thomas R. Prentice: Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside , California 92521, US A ABSTRACT. Aphonopelma paloma new species, is distinguished from all other North American tarantula s by its unusually small size and presence of setae partially or completely dividing the scopula of tarsus IV i n both sexes. Both sexes also are characterized by a general reduction of the scopula on metatarsus IV . Males are characterized by a swollen third femur . In 1939 and 1940 R. V. Chamberlin and W. with anterior and posterior edges in the same Ivie described almost all of the currently recog- plane. All ink drawings except femora were aide d nized North American theraphosid spiders . De- by a camera lucida. Palpal bulb and seminal re- spite the acknowledged significance of their work , ceptacles were cleared in 10% NaOH (for 12 hr. it is difficult to apply Chamberlin's keys wit h at 50 °C.) prior to illustration . Scanning electron much success even in dealing with specimen s micrographs were taken with a JEOL JSM C35 . from type localities, primarily because their small Abbreviations for eyes are standard for Araneae. sample sizes did not allow variational assess- For leg spination, abbreviations are as follows : ment. Eleven of these species descriptions were a = apical, b = basal, d = dorsal, e = preapical, based on single males, five on single females, an d L = left, m = medial, p = prolateral direction, r three on two males each (Chamberlin & Ivie 1939; = retrolateral direction, R = right, usu .
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    Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, Vol.46, No.1, April 2016 J. Egypt. Soc. Parasitol. (JESP), 46(1), 2016: 167 - 178 INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR NURSING STAFF REGARDING APPROACH TO A PATIENT WITH SPIDER PHOBIA AND/OR BITE By MAHFOUZ AHMAD AL-AGROUDI1, SALWA ABDALLA MOHAMMAD AHMED1 AND TOSSON A. MORSY2 Military Medical Academy1 and Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 115662, Egypt Abstract Spider bites are uncommon medical events, since there are limited number of spiders world- wide with fangs strong enough to pierce human skin, and most spiders bite humans only as a fi- nal defense when being crushed between skin and another object. Thus, most lesions attributed to spider bites are caused by some other etiology. The spiders that can cause medically signifi- cant bites include widow and false widow spiders (worldwide), recluse spiders (mostly North and South America), Australian funnel web spiders (eastern coastal Australia) and Phoneutria spiders (Brazil). Acute spider bites most commonly result in a solitary papule, pustule, or wheal. Systemic symptoms can accompany envenomation of widow; funnel web, and Phoneu- tria spiders, and less often, those of recluse spiders. Key words: Spiders, Medical importance, Nursing, Control, General review. Introduction Most spiders pose no threat to humans. Spider bites are rare medical events. Of The venom of most spiders has little or no the thousands of spider species that exist effect on mammalian tissues (Swanson and around the world, only a handful causes Vetter, 2005). In addition, only a few spe- problems in humans. There are a variety of cies have cheliceral muscles powerful more common disorders that can mimic a enough to penetrate human skin, and most of spider bite, some of which represent a far these spiders bite humans only in rare and greater threat to the patient if not recognized extreme circumstances (e.g., as they are be- and treated appropriately (Vetter and Isbis- ing fatally crushed between skin and some ter, 2008).
  • Contributions Toward a Lepidoptera (Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, Thyrididae, Drepanoidea, Geometro

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    Contributions Toward a Lepidoptera (Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, Thyrididae, Drepanoidea, Geometroidea, Mimalonoidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, & Noctuoidea) Biodiversity Inventory of the University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Lab Hugo L. Kons Jr. Last Update: June 2001 Abstract A systematic check list of 489 species of Lepidoptera collected in the University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Lab is presented, including 464 species in the superfamilies Drepanoidea, Geometroidea, Mimalonoidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, and Noctuoidea. Taxa recorded in Psychidae, Yponomeutidae, Sesiidae, Cossidae, Zygaenoidea, and Thyrididae are also included. Moth taxa were collected at ultraviolet lights, bait, introduced Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), and by netting specimens. A list of taxa recorded feeding on P. notatum is presented. Introduction The University of Florida Natural Area Teaching Laboratory (NATL) contains 40 acres of natural habitats maintained for scientific research, conservation, and teaching purposes. Habitat types present include hammock, upland pine, disturbed open field, cat tail marsh, and shallow pond. An active management plan has been developed for this area, including prescribed burning to restore the upland pine community and establishment of plots to study succession (http://csssrvr.entnem.ufl.edu/~walker/natl.htm). The site is a popular collecting locality for student and scientific collections. The author has done extensive collecting and field work at NATL, and two previous reports have resulted from this work, including: a biodiversity inventory of the butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea & Papilionoidea) of NATL (Kons 1999), and an ecological study of Hermeuptychia hermes (F.) and Megisto cymela (Cram.) in NATL habitats (Kons 1998). Other workers have posted NATL check lists for Ichneumonidae, Sphecidae, Tettigoniidae, and Gryllidae (http://csssrvr.entnem.ufl.edu/~walker/insect.htm).
  • What's Eating You? Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)

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    Close enCounters With the environment What’s Eating You? Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) Lauren E. Krug, BS; Dirk M. Elston, MD arantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, which contains more than 900 species of T hairy and often very large spiders (Figure). Depending on the species, the tarantula’s body length ranges from 1 to 4 in with 3- to 12-in leg spans. At 12 in, the largest reported species is the Goliath bird- eating spider (Theraphosa blondi). The tarantula’s body consists of 4 pairs of legs that terminate in retractable claws, allowing the spider to grip and climb. Two additional pointed appendages called chelicerae are located just below the eyes and are used to grip food and prey. They contain the venomCUTIS glands that allow the spider to immobilize and kill its prey.1 In addition to the regular hairs that cover the Tarantula. spider’s body, most New World species possess barbed urticating hairs that can be released to defend the spider when it feels threatened. Located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen, the hairs are dislodged when Secondary glaucoma and cataract formation also have the Dospider rapidly vibrates 1 or Notboth of its hind legs.2 been reported.Copy10 Patients suspected of having ocular Once released, the hairs travel similar to arrows, giv- injuries should be seen by an ophthalmologist and ing them the ability to penetrate deeply into the eyes examined with a slit lamp.11 Management includes and other tissues and to cause prolonged localized topical steroids and antibiotics as well as removal of urticaria in skin.3 Histologically, skin lesions may the hairs, which may be difficult or impossible.4-9,12 demonstrate hairs that have penetrated both the Some species of tarantulas may incorporate urticating stratum corneum and stratum malpighii.
  • Phylogeny and Evolution of Lepidoptera

    Phylogeny and Evolution of Lepidoptera

    EN62CH15-Mitter ARI 5 November 2016 12:1 I Review in Advance first posted online V E W E on November 16, 2016. (Changes may R S still occur before final publication online and in print.) I E N C N A D V A Phylogeny and Evolution of Lepidoptera Charles Mitter,1,∗ Donald R. Davis,2 and Michael P. Cummings3 1Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742; email: [email protected] 2Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560 3Laboratory of Molecular Evolution, Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742 Annu. Rev. Entomol. 2017. 62:265–83 Keywords Annu. Rev. Entomol. 2017.62. Downloaded from www.annualreviews.org The Annual Review of Entomology is online at Hexapoda, insect, systematics, classification, butterfly, moth, molecular ento.annualreviews.org systematics This article’s doi: Access provided by University of Maryland - College Park on 11/20/16. For personal use only. 10.1146/annurev-ento-031616-035125 Abstract Copyright c 2017 by Annual Reviews. Until recently, deep-level phylogeny in Lepidoptera, the largest single ra- All rights reserved diation of plant-feeding insects, was very poorly understood. Over the past ∗ Corresponding author two decades, building on a preceding era of morphological cladistic stud- ies, molecular data have yielded robust initial estimates of relationships both within and among the ∼43 superfamilies, with unsolved problems now yield- ing to much larger data sets from high-throughput sequencing. Here we summarize progress on lepidopteran phylogeny since 1975, emphasizing the superfamily level, and discuss some resulting advances in our understanding of lepidopteran evolution.
  • Swarth, C. Et Al. the 2007 Jug Bay Bioblitz Reliort. 2008

    Swarth, C. Et Al. the 2007 Jug Bay Bioblitz Reliort. 2008

    2007 Jug Bay BioBlitz Report Christopher Swarth, Lindsay Hollister, Elaine Friebele, Karyn Molines and Susan Matthews Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary December 2008 Introduction A BioBlitz is a 24-hour field survey and inventory of organisms in a well-defined area such as a park or other natural area. The objective of this intensive survey is to generate a catalog or list of all species that are identified or collected during the brief survey period. The first BioBlitz in the United States was conducted in 1996 in Washington, DC. Today dozens of BioBlitzes are held annually in the United States (see Wikipedia Encyclopedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioBlitz. A BioBlitz increases local knowledge of biodiversity and involves local naturalists and the public in coordinated fieldwork and observation. The surveys raise the awareness among the general public about the natural world and the importance of biodiversity. The species distribution and occurrence information that is obtained from a BioBlitz also provides resource managers with a deeper understanding of the natural lands under their management, thus enabling improved habitat stewardship. The 2007 Jug Bay BioBlitz took place at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary over a 24-hour period, from 12:00 (noon) on 15 September to 12:00 on 16 September. We organized this event in order to take advantage of the growing interest in biodiversity by the public and to tap in to the community of active, highly skilled naturalists in the Washington DC/Baltimore area. For this first-time effort we concentrated the field surveys on groups of organisms for which local biogeographical information was poor or incomplete (for example, ants, ground bees, spiders and zooplankton), rather than on the groups for which our knowledge on distribution was relatively thorough such as birds and herps.
  • Sti Gi G Caterpillars

    Sti Gi G Caterpillars

    f£.B 1 8 \tjf 1 (j L-1312 STI GI G CATERPILLARS Weldon H. Newton Former Extension Entomologist Texas residents frequently encounter a fuzzy or develop gradually over a period of a few weeks, spiny caterpillar which inflicts a painful "sting" upon shedding their skins at intervals to allow for growth contact. Reaction to the sting ranges from mild, with to about I-inch long when mature. Their color gradu­ local reddening, swelling and itching to rather severe, ally changes with each molt from whitish to tan to which occasionally requires hospital care for unusu­ grayish, with darker markings when mature. Inter­ ally sensitive persons. Hypersensitive persons may ex­ spersed among the long body hairs are numerous perience severe swelling, nausea and generalized sys­ short spines which discharge venom upon contact. temic reactions. When viewed from above, the puss caterpillar's head, true legs and abdominal prolegs are obscured beneath Several kinds of stinging caterpillars occur in the body. Texas, but the most common are the puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), the io moth (Automeris io), the saddleback caterpillar (Sibine stimulea), the buck moth (Hemileuca maia) and the hag moth (Phobetron pithecium). These caterpillars are the immature stages of various moths and do not have a "stinger" such as a wasp or bee. Instead, their venom is contained in glands which bear rather stiff, hollow spines through which it flows upon contact or break­ age of the spines. The caterpillars feed upon the foliage of many plants, including trees, shrubs and Figure 1. Drawing of puss caterpillar with enlarged flowers.
  • PATHOLOGY of the DERMATITIS CAUSED by MEGALO- PYGE OPERCULARIS, a TEXAN CATERPILLAR.* (From the Department of Comparative Pathol

    PATHOLOGY of the DERMATITIS CAUSED by MEGALO- PYGE OPERCULARIS, a TEXAN CATERPILLAR.* (From the Department of Comparative Pathol

    PATHOLOGY OF THE DERMATITIS CAUSED BY MEGALO- PYGE OPERCULARIS, A TEXAN CATERPILLAR.* BY NATHAN CHANDLER FOOT, M.D. (From the Department of Comparative Pathology, GeorgeFabyan Foundation, Ha~vard Medical School, Boston.) PLATES 62 AND 63. (Receivedfor publication, December22, 1921.) INTRODUCTION. A small larval moth has been causing dermatitis in southern Texas for the past decade, particularly during the years 1913 and 1920. It is known locally as the puss-caterpillar, opossum bug, Italian asp, and, by Mexicans, el perrito (the puppy), and belongs to the family Megalo- pygida~, of the group known as slug caterpillars. As it has not been investigated systematically from a medical standpoint up to the present time, the work reported in this paper was undertaken at the suggestion of Mr. F. C. Bishopp, of the United States Bureau of Entomology, who is stationed at Dallas, Texas, and to whom the writer is much indebted for the caterpillars studied and notes concerning their distribution and injurious effects. Mr. Bishopp reports the following clinical symptoms from regions infested by the caterpillars. All stages of the larva are capable of inflicting stings, the intensity of the lesions being in proportion to the size of the caterpillar. There is a marked variability in the susceptibility of different individuals. At some seasons there have been epidemics of dermatitis so widespread that public schools in San Antonio, Texas, were closed until the surrounding trees could be sprayed. The severity of the sting varies with its location and the thickness of the skin affected. There is at first a localized, painful area of erythema, which burns intensely.
  • Family Sphingidae

    Family Sphingidae

    Caterpillar Biodiversity of the American Southwest David L. Wagner Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Larval Characteristics - usually cylindrical - six lateral ocelli - labial spinneret - spiracles on T1 and A1-A8. - segmented (true) legs on thoracic segments - prolegs on A3-A6 and A10 (although anterior prolegs often lost) (for speed walking) prolegs with crochets (hooks) - prothoracic shield on T1 - anal plate or shield on A10 Larval Chaetotaxy and Other Structures * primary setae homologous across groups * nomenclature for setal arrangement (chaetotaxy) standardized by Hinton (1946): often (2) dorsal, (2) subdorsal, (3) lateral, (1-3) subventral, and (1) ventral setae. Family-level Taxonomy * body proportions Figures from Stehr (1987) * chaetotaxy on body and head - presence of 2ndary setae - size and length of setae - branched or unbranched setae, etc., * crochets: arrangement and size heterogeneity * proleg number * glands * thoracic and anal plates Species-level Taxonomy * color patterns helpful for most external feeders (but not so for internal feeders) * chaetotaxy on body and head * ratio of frontal triangle to head height * hypopharyngeal complex * mandibular teeth * spiracular size and color * crochet numbers Accelerated (Phenotypic) Evolution in Larvae Elasmia packardii (Central Texas) Elasmia packardii Elasmia cave (West Texas) Elasmia cave Elasmia mandala (Arizona) Elasmia mandala wagneri Family Sphingidae * large, cylindrical body * setae inconspicuous except above prolegs * horn on dorsum
  • Saddleback Caterpillar

    Saddleback Caterpillar

    Pest Profile Photo credit: Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org (Larva) Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, Bugwood.org (Adult) Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License Common Name: Saddleback Caterpillar Scientific Name: Acharia stimulea Order and Family: Lepidoptera; Limacodidae Size and Appearance: Length (mm) Appearance Egg Length: 1.5-2 mm - Laid on the upper side of host leaves in irregular Width: 1 mm clusters of 30-50 eggs - Transparent and yellow in color with thin edges Larva/Nymph - Have a slug-like body with a granulated texture - Prolegs are concealed under the ventral surface - Brightly colored, denoting toxicity - Dark brown on both ends with a contrasting bright green pattern on the dorsal midsection that is 1.2-20 mm outlined in white, giving it the appearance of a saddle - Have large fleshy tubercles covered in long setae and spines that extend from both ends - Have three cream colored spots on the posterior end that imitate a large face Adult - Glossy dark brown with black shading - Have dense scales on body and wings, giving it a “furry” appearance Wingspan: 26-43 mm - Have a single white dot near the base of the forewing with 1-3 additional white dots near the apex - Hindwings are a light brown Pupa (if applicable) ~10 mm - A hard, silken cocoon Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Larvae have chewing mouthparts while adults have siphoning mouthparts. Host plant/s: Maple tree, Hackberry, pecan, spicebush, crape myrtle, chestnut tree Description of Damage: Caterpillars feed on plant leaves but most of their damage comes from unintentional contact with humans.