Oleander Caterpillar – Syntomeida epilais

Oleander Caterpillar – Syntomeida epilais Common Name: Oleander Caterpillar Latin Name: Syntomeida epilais Appearance: The Oleander Caterpillar has a distinctive appearance with black and yellow stripes. It has black spots on its head and a reddish-orange prothoracic plate. The caterpillar grows up to 4 cm in length.

• Egg:The eggs of the Oleander Caterpillar are laid in clusters on the underside of the leaves. They are pale yellow and round in shape.
• Pupae:This caterpillar’s pupae are reddish-brown and found on the underside of leaves or on plant stems.
• Larva:The larvae of the Oleander Caterpillar feed on the leaves of oleander plants and other members of the Apocynaceae family. They are known to strip entire leaves from plants.
• Adults:The adult Oleander Caterpillar is a white moth with black spots on its wings. The wingspan of the moth is about 3 cm.

Host plants: The Oleander Caterpillar feeds on the leaves of oleander plants and other members of the Apocynaceae family. Territory: The Oleander Caterpillar is found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. Damages caused by Oleander Caterpillar: The Oleander Caterpillar is a significant pest of oleander plants, commonly used as ornamental plants in landscaping. The caterpillars can defoliate entire plants, causing damage to the aesthetics of the landscape. Life history and Habits: The Oleander Caterpillar undergoes a complete metamorphosis, with four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae of this caterpillar feed on the leaves of host plants, causing damage to the plant. The pupae are found on the underside of leaves or plant stems, and the adult moth emerges in about two weeks. The adult moth lays eggs on the bottom of leaves, and the life cycle of the Oleander Caterpillar can take about a month to complete.