What kinda catapillar is this? - Ask Extension
Found on ground under our Aspen tree. We live at Crooked River Ranch. Could you please tell us if it is good or bad catapillar.
Knowledgebase
What kinda catapillar is this? #673719
Asked August 06, 2020, 4:18 PM EDT
Found on ground under our Aspen tree. We live at Crooked River Ranch. Could you please tell us if it is good or bad catapillar.
Jefferson County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi, I am not certain what kind of caterpillar this is, it looks like it may have a tiny horn developing on its back, is that correct? If so it may be a tomato hornworm/sphinx moth larva of some sort. Unless you have a lot of them I would not be concerned. Several on a tomato plant can be a problem, otherwise the damage should be minimal. Thanks
We have found another one in our Quaking Aspen tree and one on the ground near it. There is several poop droppings below the trees drip line. These guys are Very large in size. From what I have found online they look a lot like Sphinx Moth Caterpillar. They have a big appetite. I need to get them out of my tall Aspen tree. All total we have Found three now.
They have a short window of time in which they feed and your aspen will not sustain any dieback or long term damage, just a little aesthetic damage. I do not have any recommendations for management. These are not considered a major pest of concern on aspen.
