PEST PROFILES: MOTH AND BUTTERFLY CATERPILLARS
Picture for genista Caterpillar
Larva

Picture of Genista Caterpillar
Larva

Picture of Adult genista
Adult

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Genista Caterpillar

Description:
Caterpillars grow up to 1 † inches in length, they are green to orange with black and white hairs. Caterpillars are less hairy compared with fall webworms and lack the double row of black dots on the top of each body segment.

Damage:
A web producing caterpillar that attacks Texas laurel, crape myrtle, honeysuckle, and Laburnum. Larvae defoliate as well as spin webs.

Life cycle:
Two generations a year in the south. Eggs are laid in overlapping clusters on the undersides of leaves. They pupate in thin white cocoons attached to buildings as well as vegetation.