Palm Caterpillars in the Low Desert

DESCRIPTION:

The adult is a light tan or cream-colored moth with two dark circles on the edges of its rear wings. The larvae is up to one inch long, smooth, and vary in color from pink or pinkish brown to dark cream with a greenish tinge.

DAMAGE:

The caterpillars usually do little damage feeding on palm flowers and pupating under the peels of the palm. However, they are sometimes knocked out of the trees by high winds or pruning and crawl indoors to pupate. Once inside they chew into carpets , upholstery, or even books to create a pupal chamber.

MANAGEMENT:

• Have the fan palm blossoms pruned early before the moths lay their eggs or delay pruning until after the palm has finished flowering. If palms are pruned in the spring, leave the top five rows of peels so the caterpillars have a place to hide.
• Remove and dispose of any caterpillars that enter the house. Prevent further entry by filling cracks around doors and windows and by covering vents.

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