Caterpillars

Overview

Caterpillars chew leaves/fruit and can cause rapid cosmetic damage.

Symptoms

• Holes / ragged feeding
• Frass
• Rolled leaves/webbing (some species)

Conditions that increase risk

• Warm spells with moth flight activity

IPM notes

• Regular scouting, especially at canopy tops
• Choose selective options where needed

Key natural enemies

• Trichogramma achaeae (egg parasitoid)
• Chrysoperla carnea (limited effect on small larvae)

Environmental drivers

• Pressure typically rises in warmer periods as moth activity and egg-laying increase.
• Protected crops can experience repeated immigration from outside sources.
• Early detection is key: control is easier at egg/small larval stages.