Greenstriped Mapleworm – Dryocampa rubicunda

Green striped Maple worm – Dryocampa rubicunda Common Name: Greenstriped Mapleworm Latin Name: Dryocampa rubicunda Appearance: The Greenstriped Mapleworm is a brightly coloured caterpillar with a green body and black head, and It has yellow stripes across the length of its body. The adult moth has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches and is reddish-brown with white markings. Eggs: The eggs of the Greenstriped Mapleworm are laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves. Pupae: The pupae are brown and are usually found in the soil or leaf litter. Larvae: The larvae are brightly coloured caterpillars with green bodies, blackheads, and yellow stripes along the length of their bodies. Adults: The adult moths have a reddish-brown color with white markings on their wings. Host plants: The Greenstriped Mapleworm feeds on the leaves of various trees, including maple, oak, cherry, and birch. Territory: The Greenstriped Mapleworm is found in the eastern United States. Damages caused by Greenstriped Maple worm: The Greenstriped Mapleworm larvae can defoliate host trees, leading to reduced growth and vigour, and can also cause aesthetic damage to ornamental plants. Life history and habitat: The Greenstriped Mapleworm overwinters as a pupa in the soil, with the adult moths emerging in the spring. The female moths lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, and the larvae feed on the leaves for several weeks before pupating and emerging as adult moths. The Greenstriped Mapleworm is most commonly found in wooded areas and along the edges of forests, where host trees are abundant.