Identification and life cycle

occurs only sporadically throughout the eastern US
1 generation per year
winters as adults (?), with egg-laying occurring in early spring
caterpillars are early season foliage feeders
hosts: oaks (especially white oak)

Look for ~1” caterpillars with highly variable coloration (smooth, brown mottled w/ tan, black, white, 2 rows small black triangles along length of back), active May-June; tattered foliage on white oaks; caterpillar waste at base of tree

Impacts

Normally, defoliated trees re-flush and natural enemies keep caterpillar populations in check
BUT, repeated defoliation + borers + stress = tree mortality

Status

Periodic outbreaks in MO (2001), WV (‘03), OH (‘02 and ‘03), Kentucky.
Current research focusing on assessing relationship between defoliation and tree vigor

Action

Manage stands to reduce stress; maintain stand diversity