Sophora Worms

DESCRIPTION: The caterpillars are approximately 1 inch long when full grown. They are orange or green with small patches of white hairs coming out of dark spots. Eggs are laid in masses and young larvae produce webs and feed in groups. As larvae mature, they spread throughout the plant. They often leave the plant to pupate on buildings near by. There are two generations each year. .
Hosts: Most commonly found on Sophora secundiflora, Texas Mountain Laurel, but also found on crape myrtle, and honeysuckle
Damage: The larva does the damage as it feeds on the young, tender leaves of new growth as well as occasionally on the older leaves and stems of the plant. This feeding damage can be small tracks and pin-holes caused by the tiny, newly hatched worms, as well as feeding damage on the edges of the leaves from larger, more mature worms. Additionally you will sometimes see leaf curl where the feeding has scarred young leaves, and caused them to grow misshapen. Even these damaged leaves are benefiting the tree by continuing to photosynthesize and produce food for the growing tree. Once the tree has enough healthy growth, it will often drop the damaged leaves.	Image 1 of Larva
Management: No management may be required on mature plants as the worms rarely consume enough foliage to damage the plant. However, young and/or newly installed plants with a small canopy may need to be protected. Handpicking is an effective control in small gardens. BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) is also an effective management tool. If you chose to spray BT, don't waste your time and money spraying mature leaves. Maximize your success by focusing your efforts on the tender new growth where the eggs will be laid and the young larva will be feeding. The insect must eat leaf tissue with BT on it in order to ingest the poison, so expect minor damage as new generations hatch out, even when you get the population under control. Follow the instructions on the label closely for recommended application rates and timing. You may need to re-apply after a rain which may wash the BT residue off the leaves  There is no benefit to treating until you actually see the eggs and worms, generally in the early summer after the bloom.	Image 1 of Moth; Image 2 of Moth

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