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No caterpillar. Caterpillars, beautiful and dangerous

Caterpillars are crawling, worm-like insect larvae. They come in completely different sizes and colors, and can be bare or covered with fluffy hairs. They have one thing in common - they all someday turn into beautiful butterflies. However, the appearance of the caterpillars can also surprise and impress. You will find a description and name of the caterpillar species in this article.

What are they?

Unlike worms, with which they are constantly compared, caterpillars are not an independent group of animals. These are insect larvae - one of the forms of development of lepidoptera, or butterflies. This stage occurs after the “egg” stage and can last from a couple of weeks to several years. Then it becomes a pupa and only then an adult.

The body of all types of caterpillars consists of a head, 3 thoracic and 10 abdominal segments. The eyes are located on the sides of the head. They have many limbs. In the area of the thoracic segments there are three pairs of legs, on the belly there are about five.

Caterpillars are rarely completely naked. Their body is covered with single or very dense hairs arranged in bunches. Many species of caterpillars have raised cuticle outgrowths that form denticles, granules and spines.

From the moment the caterpillar hatches from the egg, it begins to change. Often individuals of larvae of the same species, but of different ages, differ in appearance. As they grow, they molt from two (miner caterpillar) to forty (clothes moth) times.

Butterfly larvae have a special saliva. When exposed to air, it hardens to form silk. People have not ignored this ability and have been breeding caterpillars for centuries to obtain valuable fibers. Predatory species They are also used to control pests in gardens, but herbivores can cause damage to the farm.

Types of caterpillars and butterflies

Lepidoptera insects are distributed throughout the planet, but only in places where there is flowering vegetation. They are rarely found in cold polar regions, lifeless deserts and bald highlands. There are not too many of them in temperate latitudes, but the tropics have the greatest diversity of species.

But how to determine the type of caterpillars? First of all, attention should be paid to color, size, number of legs, length of hairs and other features specific to each species. Caterpillars grow from a few millimeters to 12 centimeters in length. Their coloration is often not similar to that of the butterfly they transform into, so recognizing them requires experience and knowledge. For example, the larva of the great harpy is light green, and the adult is grayish-brown; the larvae of the yellow lemongrass are bright green.

Observing its diet will help you understand what type of caterpillar is in front of you. Many of them (cabbage, bear, swallowtail, polyxena) are phytophages and eat flowers, leaves and fruits of plants. Wood borers, castnias, and glass beetles feed exclusively on wood and grass roots. True moths and some species of bagworms consume mushrooms and lichens. Some caterpillars prefer wool, hair, horny substances, wax (carpet and clothes moths, moths), and predators, such as cutworms, bluegills, and moths, are also rare.

Caterpillars in Russia

Our regions are not as rich in insects as hot regions tropical zones. But even in Russia there are several hundred species of caterpillars. The common species here are fatheads, bluegills, nymphalids, whitefishes, swallowtails, riodinids and other orders.

A typical representative of whites is cabbage grass. She lives all over Eastern Europe, eastern Japan and North Africa. Butterflies of this species are white, with black wing tips and two black dots. Their caterpillars are yellow-green with black warts all over their bodies. These are well-known pests that feed on heads and leaves of cabbage, horseradish, and rutabaga.

The alkin's swallowtail lives mainly in Japan, Korea and China. In Russia, caterpillars of the species are found only in the Primorsky Territory, and then in its southern part. They live near rivers and lakes where Aristolochia grows. Butterflies lay eggs on this plant, and caterpillars then feed on its leaves. Alkinoe caterpillars are brown with white segments in the middle, the body is covered with teeth. Both the adult and larval forms of insects are poisonous, so no one is in a hurry to hunt them.

Hawkmoth is one of the most known species. Blind Hawkmoths are rare species. Their butterflies are dark brown in color, and their larvae are light green with red spiracles and white stripes on the sides. The caterpillars appear in July; on the back of their body they have a black horn at the end. They feed on the leaves of willows, poplars and birches and pupate already in August.

Poisonous species

Caterpillars often serve as food for other animals. To avoid becoming someone's food, they have many adaptations. Some species use protective or deterrent coloration, while others secrete a secretion with an unpleasant odor. Some of them used poison.

Scales, hairs and needles hidden under the skin of some caterpillars can cause lepidopterism or caterpillar dermatitis. It is manifested by inflammation, swelling, itching and redness of the contact points and can have serious consequences. The larvae of the oak, gypsy and marching silkworms, megalopygis operaculus, hickory dipper, Saturnia io, spiderwort, etc. are poisonous.

The lonomia caterpillar is considered one of the most dangerous. It occurs only in South America. Poisoning with its secretion even has its own name - lonomyasis. Contact with lonomia obliqua and lonomia achelous species may result in severe internal bleeding and death. The caterpillars live on fruit trees, and their “victims” are often plantation workers.

Peacock eye atlas

These butterflies are considered one of the largest in the world. Their wingspan reaches about 25 centimeters. They are common in India, China, countries and islands South-East Asia. Their caterpillars are thick and grow up to twelve centimeters in length. Bluish-green on early stages, they become snow-white over time. The body is covered with thick, hairy needles; small hairs on them give the impression that the caterpillars are covered with dust or snow. They secrete durable fagar silk, and their torn cocoons are sometimes used as wallets or cases.

Hawkmoth lilac

A large number of caterpillar species are green. They feed on plants, and this color helps them camouflage themselves as environment. The caterpillars of the privet or lilac hawkmoth are colored light green color. On their sides there are short diagonal stripes of white and black, and next to them there is one red dot.

Hawkmoth larvae are thick and reach a length of 9-10 centimeters. A white and black outgrowth resembling a horn protrudes from the back of the caterpillars' back. They live in Western Europe, China, Japan, European Russia and the south Far East, in the Caucasus, southern Siberia and Kazakhstan. They feed on jasmine, barberry, elderberry, viburnum, and currants. They become caterpillars from July to September, and then overwinter twice as pupae.

Apollo of Parnassus

Black species of caterpillars are not very common in nature. The peacock's eye, the grass cocoon moth, and Apollo Parnassus can boast of this color. The latter species is named after greek god arts, Apollo. These butterflies live in Europe and Asia, found in Southern Siberia, Chuvashia, Mordovia, Moscow region. They love dry and sunny valleys located at an altitude of 2000-3000 thousand meters.

Adult Apollo parnassian caterpillars are deep black with bright red dots and blue warts on the sides. Behind the head of the larva there is an osmetium - a gland in the form of small horns. It is usually hidden under the skin and protrudes at the moment of danger, releasing a substance with an unpleasant odor. The caterpillars feed on sedum and juveniles and appear only in good sunny weather.

Clothes or house moth

This type of caterpillar causes a lot of trouble in the house. They eat cereals, flour, silk and wool fabrics, and furniture upholstery. Adults - butterflies - are harmful only because they can lay eggs. All the main damage to things is caused by the caterpillars, which devour everything they find.

Their bodies are almost transparent and covered with thin beige-brown skin. Among caterpillars, they are considered the smallest, the size of the larvae varies from a millimeter to one centimeter. They remain in the larval stage from a month to two and a half years, during which time they manage to molt up to 40 times. Moths live in the USA, Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and many other regions.

Akraga koa, or "gummy" caterpillar

The amazing caterpillars of this species look like something extraterrestrial. Their transparent silver body appears to be made of jelly. Due to this they are called “marmalade” or “crystal”. Their body is covered with cone-shaped processes, at the tips of which there are orange dots. The caterpillars reach only three centimeters in length. They are sticky to the touch, and the substances that their glands secrete are saturated with poison.

The insect lives in the Neotropics, a region covering South and part of Central America. You can meet it in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, etc. The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of mango trees, coffee and other plants.

Swallowtail

Swallowtail is another insect named after a mythological hero. This time it is an ancient Greek doctor. About 40 subspecies of swallowtails are known. All of them are very colorful both at the imago stage and during the development of larvae. They are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Found in North Africa North America, throughout Europe except Ireland. In mountainous areas they can rise to heights from 2 to 4.5 kilometers.

Swallowtail caterpillars are born twice a season: in May and August, but they remain in the larval state for only a month. As they grow older, their appearance changes greatly. At first they are black with red dots and a white spot on the back. Over time, the color becomes light green, and black stripes and red dots are placed on each segment, White color present only on the limbs. They also have a hidden osmeterium that is bright orange in color.

Caterpillars can be great, easy-to-care pets for all adults and children. Other than being given enough food, caterpillars don't require much. The best part is watching these creatures cocoon themselves or become chrysalises and then magically transform into butterflies or moths a few days or weeks later. What could be better than this? Read on to learn how to properly care for a caterpillar and transform it into a butterfly.

Steps

Where to find caterpillars

Select right time of the year. The most better time for hunting caterpillars it is spring and summer, since most butterflies lay eggs at this time. However, some individuals (in particular, hairy caterpillars) appear in the fall. Winter is the only time of year when it is impossible to find caterpillars.

IN wildlife caterpillar survival rate is about 2%; this means that out of every hundred eggs laid by a butterfly, only two will survive to adulthood. This is due to the large number of predators whose food is caterpillars. Thus, by taking a caterpillar as a pet, you give it a much greater chance of survival.
Be aware that fall caterpillars are more likely to remain chrysalised all winter, so you will have to wait much longer for the butterfly to emerge than with spring or summer caterpillars, where the wait is 2-3 weeks.

Look for caterpillars on plants. The best place The caterpillars' favorite plants to look for are their favorite plants, since caterpillars usually stay close to their food source. If you are not picky about the type of caterpillar you want to care for, you can check the leaves of any plant in your garden or park. However, if you are looking for specific caterpillars/butterflies/moths, then you will have to target specific plant species. Here are some of the most common:

Order specific types of caterpillars online. If you need a special type of caterpillar/butterfly and cannot find it yourself, then there is always the option of ordering from a specialized supplier via the Internet.

Handle the caterpillars carefully. When you find a caterpillar, it is very important to handle it correctly. If you try to pick up the caterpillar, it can get caught with great force on the surface it is on, and if you pull, you can cause damage to the caterpillar or even tear off its legs.

Where and how to place caterpillars
1. Keep your caterpillar in a suitable container. Caterpillars don't need anything fancy to house them in - a 5 liter jar or aquarium is ideal. The jar or aquarium is easy to clean, and the caterpillar will be clearly visible through the walls.
  - Cover the container with gauze or mesh and secure with a rubber band to ensure proper ventilation. Do not poke holes in the screw top of the jar, as some sites advise, as the caterpillars may attempt to escape through these holes and injure themselves on the sharp edges.
  - If you are placing more than one track, make sure each one has three times the space larger size her body so that she can move calmly. This way you will avoid overcrowding.
2. Place a paper towel or soil in the bottom of the container. It is a good idea to line the bottom of the container with paper, as it will absorb excess moisture and also collect caterpillar excrement. You can easily clean the track container by discarding one piece of paper and laying down another.
  
  Place a couple of sticks in the container. This is a good idea for a number of reasons:
  - First, the caterpillars will have something to climb on, which they may need to do to get to their food.
  - Secondly, the caterpillar may want to pupate while hanging from a branch. That is, you must check that the stick is held securely and will not fall.
  - Thirdly, when a butterfly hatches from a pupa, it needs to hang upside down on something to spread and dry its wings.
3. Keep the container moist. Most caterpillars prefer a somewhat moist environment. The best way To achieve this, periodically spray the container with a spray bottle.
How to feed caterpillars
1. If you don't know the food plant, experiment with various types leaves. Caterpillars are very selective eaters, and each species has a limited number of plants on which they feed. In fact, most caterpillars will starve if given the wrong food. So if your caterpillar refuses the leaves of the plant you found it on, or if you find the caterpillar on something other than a plant, you will have to figure out its food plant through trial and error.
  
  The leaves must be fresh. Caterpillars will not eat old or dried leaves, so it is important to provide them with fresh green leaves at all times. The frequency of providing leaves will depend on the plant, some may last a week, others need to be renewed daily.
2. Don't worry about giving the caterpillar water. Caterpillars do not need to drink; they get all the water they need from food.
  - However, if the caterpillar looks somewhat dried out, you will need to increase the humidity in the container, try rinsing the leaves with water and placing them in the container without drying them out.
  - Drops of water on the leaves will provide the necessary moisture.

We all know firsthand that nature creates masterpieces that at first glance seem completely unusual and even partly cosmic. There are more than enough examples of this among representatives of the world's flora and fauna. In particular, toothed fish patu, water deer with fangs, bald cats, anteaters with huge trunks, Californian condors (birds that are impossible to look at without tears), drop fish, reminiscent of characters from a science fiction film with horror elements. The list of natural phenomena is endless.

Incredible species of caterpillars that exist side by side with humans

Today I would like to talk about which subsequently turns into a beautiful creature - a butterfly, at least this is written about in all encyclopedias about wildlife and the world around us. So, we will talk about caterpillars with horns and their features, which, judging by the name, should not be so few. Looking ahead, I would like to note that such caterpillars are characteristic of many species and they even pose a certain danger to smaller insects, and some to humans. But be that as it may, such representatives of the flora cause only delight in those who look at them, because they are incredibly beautiful and divinely beautiful.

An inhabitant of Russian latitudes, who is often mistaken for an alien

Of course, at the very beginning I would like to talk about those types of large green caterpillars with horns that live in our country. The most common larva of the hawk moth and all its subspecies. For example, linden hawk moth. Its larva is a fairly long caterpillar. Sometimes it reaches 10 cm in length. Its color, unlike other caterpillars with horns, is quite calm and not particularly attractive. Most often, this insect is light beige or light brown in color with a white abdomen, on which there are horny growths, which are nothing more than the rudiments of the insect’s legs. They are quite hard and tenacious to the touch; thanks to these properties, the caterpillar can easily move along tree trunks. In rare cases, linden hawk moth larvae can be bright green or black with brown speckles. Whatever color There are caterpillars; they always have a sharp, hard spike on their tail, which many take for a horn, confusing the insect's head with its tail.

Ocellated Hawkmoth

Speaking about butterflies that hatch from the pupa of the hawkmoth caterpillar, it should be noted that all representatives of the family of these unusual insects are considered quite rare, and many of them are listed in the Red Book. Their extermination can have serious consequences and is punishable by law. For example, by the way, its larva is one of the most unusual: green with white stripes, located symmetrically relative to each other. This is a big one green caterpillar with a horn on the tail having a pale blue color. Speaking about the larva of the ocellated hawk moth, it must be said that the thorn of these insects is not at all for beauty, but for protection from annoying small brothers: ants and small bugs. It is something like a sting, which, like wasps, contains poison (acid) that affects the enemy. For humans, the “weapon” of the hawkmoth caterpillar does not pose any danger.

Dead Head

One more a prominent representative Hawkmoths living in Russia, which is worth mentioning separately, is the dead (Adam's) head butterfly. Her caterpillar is incredibly beautiful. It is large, bright green, monochromatic or with variegated spots scattered over the body. The spike on her tail is the same color as her coat. But a coal-black butterfly with bright brown spots hatches from such a miracle. In general, this species resembles in its color the king of the savannah - the leopard. The death's head hawk moth is, without a doubt, more beautiful than the kinglet and several times larger. Now, having encountered any of the larvae described above in your garden, the attentive reader should not have a question about what the caterpillar with a horn on its tail is called.

Poisonous caterpillars

In our country there are not many representatives of horned caterpillars, probably due to the harsh and cold climate, but on other continents, where it is practically warm all year round There are plenty of such beauties. By the way, there is an opinion regarding the colors of insects that the brighter the color of the caterpillar, the more beautiful the butterfly will hatch from it. And also, if the larva is too beautiful, then you should definitely be wary of it. The striking color warns of the poisonous nature of the insect. At the very beginning of the conversation about foreign caterpillars with a horn on their tail, photos of which can be seen in the presented material, I would like to discuss the poisonous species.

The hoary caterpillar is a beauty that you should not touch

The most poisonous caterpillar in the world, she is simply extraordinarily beautiful: a brown head with pronounced light green “glasses” and a body, and on her back there is a brown diamond shape, reminiscent of a horse’s saddle. Of course, thanks to this attribute, this larva is called saddleback. On the head and tail of the poisonous caterpillar there are two impressive horns, completely covered with sharp spines. It is they who pose a huge danger to everyone who decides to touch an unearthly creature that enchants the eye. By the way, if you look at the hoary caterpillar from above, it is impossible to make out where its head is and where its tail is, as it looks poisonous insect absolutely symmetrical.

This miracle of nature lives in North America; it can be found mainly on deciduous trees. Just like the other caterpillars with a horn on their tail discussed above, this species contains poison in its appendage. However, if nothing happens when you touch the hawk moth, then when you touch the poisonous caterpillar, a person will feel discomfort, as if he had been stung by a bee. The consequences can be unpleasant: nausea, vomiting, headache and a rash at the site of contact. Symptoms last up to two days.

The “scorching rose” does not grow in the garden, but eats it

Another beautiful caterpillar that lives overseas and poses a certain danger to people is the “stinging rose.” It received its name not for the single horn on a very small body (only 2.5 cm), but for the poisonous thorns abundantly located on it. If you touch it, you are guaranteed to experience serious skin irritation. Distinctive feature This green caterpillar with horns has longitudinal orange and black stripes, as well as bright red and yellow spots on the body. Looking at it, it becomes clear why scientists classify the most beautiful and unusual insects as especially dangerous.

The most beautiful caterpillar in the world

Since we have already examined the most poisonous caterpillar in the world, we would now like to contrast it with the most beautiful and harmless one - the monarch larva. It is worth saying that even the name of this big caterpillar with a horn says it all. A truly royal creature immediately appears, enchanting with its beauty and pleasing to the eye. Its main color is white and, if not for the bright yellow stripes on the back, then the caterpillar would look like a zebra, because it is also completely covered with black thin stripes. She has three pairs of horns: two on her head, two on her tail and the same number in the middle of her body. They are located symmetrically to each other.

It is one of the most famous butterflies in North America. It is easily recognized by the characteristic pattern on its wings: black stripes located on a red background. The wingspan of the Danaid reaches 10.2 cm. This is one of the few insects that flies across the Atlantic Ocean during migration. In Russia, the species is found in the Far East.

The largest butterfly in the world hatches from a caterpillar with horns

In Asia (in China, Vietnam, on the islands of Java and Borneo) real giant butterflies live. Their wingspan reaches 27 centimeters. The females of this species are much larger than the male. The situation in the insect world is not unique; sexual dimorphism is observed very often. It is called the beautiful giant peacock-eye atlas. The color of its caterpillar is completely unremarkable: pale flesh-colored, and sometimes gray. A mandatory attribute is numerous horns on the body. However, the larva produces a spectacular and bright butterfly. It is noteworthy that she has no developed oral apparatus at all. The imago does not feed and lives off the resources accumulated during the larval stage.

Black always goes with white - a rule that even nature follows

Probably, many have heard about the next caterpillar with horns, but not everyone has seen such an incredible beauty created by nature. It's about about the swallowtail larva. The adult is bright yellow with four eye-shaped round black spots on the wings. Who would have thought that, being a caterpillar, the swallowtail is not bright. On the contrary, the larva is completely black with horns of the same color located throughout its body. However, in the later stages of caterpillar development, just before pupation, the black color of the body is diluted by numerous contrasting white spots.

Summarizing what has been said

In fact, there are a great variety of caterpillars with horns in nature. There is simply no point in listing them all in one article, because the text can turn out to be as long as the well-known masterpiece of the Russian classic “War and Peace.” We introduced you only to the brightest and most unusual larvae, which nature has awarded with one or more horns. I would like to say that without exception, all caterpillars endowed with this attribute use it as self-defense. They deftly take advantage of the moment, curling up into a ball during danger, and then sharply throw their tail and horn towards the enemy. Remember that nature created caterpillars to be admired, not to be experimented on or destroyed.

On the occasion of the anniversary, fans of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” will receive a gift from Zooblog: a monkey caterpillar, a crystal caterpillar, a snake caterpillar, a poisonous caterpillar and many others!
The first thing that comes to mind when you say “caterpillar” is a green worm, but there are caterpillars in nature that don’t look like worms at all.

1. In the north of Australia you can find a brightly colored horned caterpillar - the larva of the slug butterfly . The slug has no legs and moves like a snail. It is protected from predators by poison that is stronger than that of wasps.

The slug baby turns from a brightly colored caterpillar into a small, boring butterfly.

2. Monster caterpillar, or caterpillar x voluminous imperial butterfly looks like a cartoon character

The little monster turns into a very beautiful butterfly.

3. "Crystal" caterpillar Acraga coa
In the jungles of South and Central America you can find this amazing creature, more like a magic crystal than a caterpillar.

"Crystal" caterpillars are tiny (no more than 25mm), very sticky and completely harmless.

The "Crystal" caterpillar transforms into the Dalcerida moth: a spectacular orange and fluffy butterfly.

4. Flower caterpillar, or moth caterpillar.
“It would be nice to do this - cut off all the curls. On the top of the head there is a red poppy, and around there are chamomiles.” Do you know this song? If not, then be sure to listen, because the moth caterpillar is making the dream of the hero of this song come true.

All over the caterpillar's body there are "daisies" and other flowers growing. Only the caterpillar does this not for beauty, but to hide from predators. Caterpillars secrete liquid silk, which they use to glue flower petals to themselves. The flower outfit must always be fresh and the caterpillar replaces withered flowers with new ones.
Find the caterpillar in the picture.

Moth butterflies are also great at hiding. A green butterfly on a green leaf is not easy to spot.

5. Snake caterpillar, or Hemeroplanes moth caterpillar.

These amazing caterpillars live on trees in the forests of Central America. In moments of danger, in order to scare away predators, they tear off top part their body from the branch, swell and become like the head of a snake with big eyes.

A talented actress snake caterpillar turns into a homely butterfly.

6. Giant caterpillar, or Hercules peacock eye.
Hercules caterpillars are real giants; they can reach a length of 15 cm.

Before pupation, the caterpillars spin a thick cocoon. Close relatives of Hercules (Chinese and Japanese peacock eye) are used to produce silk. The caterpillar turns into a huge butterfly with a wingspan of up to 27 cm. This is the largest butterfly in Australia.

7. Poisonous fluffies, or caterpillars of megapolis butterflies.

These amazing creatures live in North America. They can easily be confused with a ball of fluff, but you should not pick up such a ball. Under the long silky hairs are hidden sharp short bristles soaked in poison. The poison causes sharp pain, like a burn, which is why these caterpillars are often called “fiery creatures.”

From a fur caterpillar 2-3 cm long, the same small fur butterflies are obtained.

8. The "monkey slug" has nothing to do with monkeys or slugs - it is a caterpillar of the Rhobetron pithecium moth from North America.

9. Polar caterpillar, or Kuznetsov’s Volyanka.

This caterpillar lives in the Arctic, on Wrangel Island. In winter it freezes through, and in spring it thaws and begins to feed intensively. But the short northern summer is not enough to accumulate strength to transform into a butterfly and the caterpillar has to winter again and again. She will become a butterfly only in the 7th year of her life.

10. The “ugly duckling” caterpillar or urania is found only on the island of Madagascar.

From this caterpillar hatches the most beautiful butterfly in the world:

photo of urania's wing

Caterpillars in the garden, on summer cottage capable of destroying crops. The invasion of voracious pests indicates insufficient attention to preventive measures.

Types of harmful caterpillars

Most leaf-eating insects cause damage to plants. Caterpillars damage leaves, suck out nutritious juice, and cause curling and drying out of the green mass.

The pests overwinter in the leaves; with the onset of spring, a whole horde of hundreds/thousands of eggs and grown individuals safely move onto the trees, vegetable crops. Moth, hawthorn, silkworm, cabbage moth, and leaf roller actively destroy plants and reduce yields. If there is a large concentration of butterflies and their larvae, the damage to the farm can be very serious.

Harmful caterpillars in the garden:

hawthorn. Hairy creature, color – yellow-black. Actively creates nests for the winter, wraps a web around the base of the leaf blade and petiole. On bare fruit trees in the cold season, the web is clearly visible. You must not hesitate to destroy the lacewing caterpillars: up to three thousand individuals can be in one nest;
goldentail Pest with bright color, the characteristic color scheme is a combination of black and red-orange. The pest attaches nests to branches, tightly wraps itself around adjacent leaves and internodes, creating a reliable home for the cold season. You also cannot hesitate if the tree is dotted with nests inhabited by hundreds of voracious pests. Cutting off damaged areas together with the “tenants” will save the garden from the invasion of caterpillars;
leaf roller Dangerous pest Green colour It doesn’t look as scary as the silkworm, goldentail or hawthorn, but it does no less harm. The caterpillar eats leaves, stems, flowers, and destroys the plant almost completely. Leaf rollers twist the greens into a tube, build a nest with a web inside, and feed on the juices of the leaf. Pests actively reproduce: up to three generations can change in a season;
gypsy moth. Hairy creatures with long hairs are clearly visible on trees. Leaves damaged by pests attract even more attention: often only veins remain of the greenery. The gypsy moth often lives in forests, but when it gets into the garden it causes great damage to fruit trees.

How to get rid of it: effective methods of control

There are several ways to clear your garden, vegetable garden, and flower garden from voracious creatures. The best option is to monitor the condition of plants all year round, prevent the invasion of caterpillars, and regularly spray the garden and vegetable garden with decoctions with a natural base. If furry, unpleasant-looking creatures have filled the area, traces of activity are clearly visible on the leaves, only an integrated approach will help.

Mechanical methods

Any amateur gardener will cope with the task if he decides to collect pests from the crown or prevent the penetration of wintering caterpillars from the soil. Experienced owners offer several ways to fight.

Proven methods:

manual collection of pests. The method is effective if there are few caterpillars. It is important to go through all areas of the crown, collect the voracious creatures in a bucket, and then destroy them. It's not a pleasant task, but the result is good. Many gardeners use the method of collecting pests with low plants or dwarf varieties fruit trees;
glue belt Means with strange name prevents pests from crawling from the soil to the crown. The method is harmless to the tree. Boil 2 parts of birch tar, pour in 1 part of burdock oil, boil for 2 minutes, remove the mixture from the stove, cool. Apply a thick mixture to the trunks of fruit trees. Pests will not be able to overcome the barrier of sticky mass; the owners will only have to collect the furry creatures from the protective adhesive belt;
cutting off the nests and oviposition of some pests. The sooner the owner discovers leaves damaged by lacewing, apple moth, and hawthorn, the greater the guarantee that all pests will be collected. It is important to remove leaves before the caterpillars move to open form nutrition.

Biological methods

Fighting attraction natural enemies has been practiced for decades. The owners noticed that many birds eat garden pests in large quantities.

If there are not many caterpillars bred, the winged helpers are able to completely clear the area of pests. The owners need to attract birds to the garden, set up titmice, nest boxes, and birdhouses.

Important! Swifts, swallows, titmice, starlings, pied flycatchers, and cuckoos eat not only small, but also large caterpillars with long hairs on their bodies.

Chemicals against caterpillars

Experts consider it the most effective method of combating voracious creatures in the garden. After spraying with toxic drugs, most individuals die.

Unfortunately, the method has downsides:

the use of chemicals often provokes intoxication in people after eating processed fruits;
required permanent shift insecticides: pests get used to the components of the drug, control turns out to be ineffective.

What to do? Select compositions last generations, which do not cause resistance in caterpillars. Experienced owners recommend alternating toxic drugs and decoctions of herbal ingredients.

Effective insecticides against caterpillars:

Karate.
Aktara.
Decis Pro.
Inta – Vir.
Spark.
Kinmiks.
Rovikurt.
Lightning.
Ram.
Sumi is Alpha.
Fufanon.

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Folk remedies and recipes

Spraying fruit and vegetable crops with safe, non-toxic compounds brings only benefits. There are several compounds that destroy/repel smooth and hairy caterpillars.

Proven means:

decoction of black henbane. The product is used when hawthorn appears, cabbage whites, lacewings. You will need 2.5 kg of chopped plants (leaves and twigs). Pour water over the greens, boil for half an hour, bring the volume to 10 liters, boil again, remove from heat. Let the product sit for 12 hours, strain, add liquid soap or a handful of grated laundry soap. Spray the affected plants 5–6 times when the pests have just appeared;
decoction from the stems of peppermint. The plant's shoots will be needed during the flowering period. For 2 kg of fresh raw materials, take 10 liters of boiling water, close the bucket with a lid, and let it brew for a day. Remove the green mass, strain, spray garden crops when leaf-eating insects appear;
red elderberry decoction. Another proven remedy for repelling caterpillars, beetles, slugs, and fly larvae. Finely chop 200 g of stems and leaves, steam in 10 liters of boiling water, leave for 24 hours, strain. For active adhesion to the surface of the leaves, many owners add to the bucket warm water shavings from laundry soap. Spraying should be done before and after flowering.

When pest caterpillars appear, there is no time to waste: the nests are inhabited by thousands of individuals, ready to gnaw leaves and young shoots. Decoctions with herbal ingredients and proven insecticides will help repel and destroy pests. Gives a good effect mechanical methods control of leaf-eating pests.

The next video talks about excellent tool to protect cabbage from caterpillar pests:

Attention! Only today!

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