AusBonsai

Hi ab Crew,

Today I noticed that my English Elms were being eaten by hungry caterpillars.

I have four trees - all had been rather severely eaten. On three I was able to locate and destroy 3 rather large green hungry caterpillars. they are good at hiding!

My question - does a caterpillar eating most of the leaves off a limb damage the plant ...more than aesthetically? I am wondering/hoping - probably ignorantly/stupidly - that perhaps these leaves being eaten is acting like a random defoliation and it might encourage more buds? Some branches were basically defoliated by the caterpillar. It has happened reasonably quickly, I reckon within a week or two. I pride myself on keeping a close eye at my plants but clearly I let myself own here!

So permanent damage, yes or no? Is there an upside... will this stimulate new growth?

Apologies in advance if these questions are patently ridiculous.

PS - Question: When has a hobby really got its claws in?
Answer: When you decide you need a magnifying glass. True ... my reading glasses are not enough - I want and need to look more closely at my plants. Does anyone else use magnifying glasses and if so, any ideas on good ones to buy?

Assuming the tree has not been completely defoliated by the caterpillar it will be completely fine. It’s an elm after all! Plenty of time left in the growing season, it may have done you a favour!
When it comes to magnifying glasses... no idea. I just spend a large amount of time with my head about 3 inches from my pots/trees. If the neighbors are tuning in they must look at me with wonder...

did someone call me

Ryceman3 wrote:Assuming the tree has not been completely defoliated by the caterpillar it will be completely fine. It’s an elm after all! Plenty of time left in the growing season, it may have done you a favour!
When it comes to magnifying glasses... no idea. I just spend a large amount of time with my head about 3 inches from my pots/trees. If the neighbors are tuning in they must look at me with wonder...

Cheers, R3 and no idea - funny on a number of counts:-
1. R3 - "When it comes to magnifying glasses ... no idea."
(Then check no idea's response! You guys! )
2. Your neighbours might look at you...my wife and kids just look at shake their heads!
3. Just noticed your profile on favourite trees - "right now ... pines" Indeed!

no idea wrote:did someone call me

MJL wrote: 3. Just noticed your profile on favourite trees - "right now ... pines" Indeed!

Yeah, I kinda like em at the moment, it’s Xmas too so that works in well with a pine tree.
Enjoy the festive season!

A few leaves here and there will not worry a healthy tree. All the leaves off a healthy tree will not worry most trees. All the leaves off a branch or 2 will not usually worry a healthy tree. Defoliating lower branches or more shaded branches while stronger, upper branches retain full leaf could have some effect.
If weaker branches have been eaten it may be worth taking some leaves off the stronger areas to balance vigour a bit but generally not a problem.

is it Elm Beetle caterpillars? little stripey buggars about 8mm long

Hi
If you are on FB join Pest Help Australia, take a picture and upload it amazing site and very very accurate advise.

It is always best to get the ID from experts in the trade

I've had a possum chew off every leaf on a struggling Japanese Maple about a month ago, and I'm happy to say that's stimulated it into producing more new growth than it originally had.
In respect to magnifying glasses, if I have some fine detailed wiring to do or delicate pruning I put on magnifying reading glasses. Go to a pharmacy or even a "Cheap as Chips" type shop and you will find them available in various magnifications and they are quite cheap.
Cheers, Frank

Thanks for all your replies. Appreciated.

In terms of what type - I will have a closer look next time I see one but I reckon it's this http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.a ... odata.html

I don't believe it the ones I saw looked like Elm Beetle Caterpillar.

Cheers,

Mark