Yellow-Necked Caterpillars in Blueberry


Chatham County, July 2003


Description and Biology of Yellow-necked Caterpillars


Beginning in mid-summer, blueberry bushes should be inspected every two weeks. Clusters of older larvae are usually quite visible feeding on the terminal leaves. Since infestations tend to be localized and readily detected in the field, growers can prevent severe defoliation by pruning out branches with caterpillars.

Striped green caterpillar clinging to a leafy stem among green foliage

Feeding aggregation of yellow-necked caterpillars defoliating a blueberry plant. Photo by Debbie Roos.

 
Cluster of hairy caterpillars grouped along a thin branch among green leaves
Cluster of hairy yellow-and-black striped caterpillars clinging to a green twig
Two hairy, yellow-striped caterpillars with black heads on a green leaf
Hairy black-and-green caterpillar with yellow stripes crawling on a leaf

Defoliated blueberry stem. Photo by Debbie Roos.
 

 

 

Yellow-necked caterpillar demonstrating defensive posture. Photo by Debbie Roos.

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Debbie Roos