Orange Striped Oakworm

We found this specimen of Orange Striped Oakworm last week in Suwanee.  We had never run across this pest before.  Much like other occasional invaders, we research all the new pests we find.  When we see it again out in the field, we will be able to know how to handle the situation.

closer picture of the orange striped oakworm from Bugwood.org

The orange striped oakworm is around 2 inches long.  They have long, black spines that resemble horns.  These "horns" are used to scare off predators, but they do not have the ability to sting.  Adult moths lay eggs on the underside of leaves from June to July.  Egg clusters contain hundreds of eggs.

Moth and egg clusters (photo from Brookhaven National Laboratory)

 

The caterpillars hatch and feed from August to September, and sometimes into October.  They defoliate sections of various oak species and sometimes completely defoliate smaller trees.  Defoliation usually occurs one branch at a time.
Because of the large amount of intake, they have an abundance of excrement.  This makes this insect troublesome when present in oak trees over patios, sidewalks, or driveways.  However, control measures are typically not needed.
After feeding is complete, larvae pupate in the soil over the winter.  There is only one generation per year.
Thanks, Brandon, for this interesting find!