Insect and Spider Identification: CLOSED: A mass of caterpillars, 0 by acceler8

acceler8 wrote:
Can anyone help ID these caterpillars? They unleash themselves every year around this time (mid-August) and they completely consume the Shumard Oak tree that they hatch in. Before the leaves have a chance to change color, they are completely eaten. This is a smaller tree, perhaps 25 feet tall.

It looks a little bit like Datana integerrima (Walnut caterpillar), however the articles I’ve seen don’t mention Oak trees as hosts. I’m in Zone 8, 30052.

Also, are there any natural ways to reduce (or eliminate) these? This was the first year that I noticed such a large concentration, so I cut that branch off. Although, some surrounding leaves were already eaten, so I didn’t get all of them...

Thanks!