Calistemon loving grub/caterpillar???

[teejay]

Hi everyone, My calistemons, and some mel,s are currently enduring frequent attacks by a tiny, tiny caterpillar looking creature that doesn't seem to like any of my exotics. This thing can be extremely hard to see but it ultimately grows to maybe a centimeter long and it defoliates the tree slowly preferring new shoots. Does anyone know what it is and what I can do about it? I'm constantly searching for them and killing those I see but after a week or two they're back smaller than ever but just as hungry.

[Jarrod]

I had them on one of mine, pointy tail like thing?

I just kept squashing them for a month.

[Handy Mick]

Try, Rogor, i was put onto this by Watto on this forum and my club. It is an arosol insectiside, great stuff, i used it on borer, ants and catapillers on my plum, its a good allrounder.

Mick

[Craig]

Just came accross this;

---There are several pests which can attack melaleucas although healthy plants can usually cope without human intervention. The most serious pest is probably webbing caterpillar. These grubs encase themselves in a web-like structure comprised of foliage and droppings and can cause severe defoliation. They also attack related genera such as Leptospermum and Callistemon. Physical removal or the use of a strong jet of water is effective treatment in many cases. The use of general insecticides is possible if effective contact with the caterpillars can be achieved. This is often difficult. Webbing caterpillar attack is most severe with fine leafed species. For further information on webbing caterpillar, see the article Teatree Web Moth (Webbing Caterpillar)

http://anpsa.org.au/APOL2009/jul09-1.html

Regards Craig

[teejay]

Thanks everyone,

Jarrod - I think that's the same one, very small though. They always make a U with their bodies, head down, middle right up, tail down.

Mick - I'll give that one a go thanks

Craig - After reading a Callistemon care sheet I though the 'webbing caterpillar' might be the culprit, but unlike LBAM (which I see a lot of), I'm not seeing much webbing. I've seem a little brown webbing in a wire scar but that's it. It is only attacking my unwell natives though. Will keep squashing.

Thanks