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Plant LEAF EATING INSECTS #762887

Asked July 20, 2021, 6:03 PM EDT

What type of insect is this that chewed up the leaves on my plant?

Calvert County Maryland

Expert Response

This looks like milkweed tussock moth larvae. Similar to monarchs, they use milkweed as a host plant at this stage in their life cycle. They are native insects. https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/2513

Here is more about them https://extension.unh.edu/blog/what-are-hairy-caterpillars-eating-my-milkweed-are-they-good-bugs

Marian

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 21, 2021, 9:40 AM EDT

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