This is a locust tree in my yard. One year I accidently found orange dogs on it but every year since I've only found frass and chewed up leaves. So where are they hiding? Come out,come out where every you are?
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Where they hiding?
Usually I see activity on the bristly pink locust,most specially the seed pods get eaten before I can harvest them but so far no signs of feeding so I might just been able to get seeds this year.
That's strange that you never see them....do you think a bird or predator gets them?
Wow...I didn't know orange dogs use locus as a larval host.
Hmmm...you could try the old sheet trick. Without touching the plant/branches...pllace a sheet under it. Then give the branch a good whack! Usually any caterpillars not already holding on for dear life or silked to a leaf will fall onto the sheet.
If a caterpillar senses vibrations on the branch it will automatically cling to the leaf or branch...well, unless it's one of those army worms that drop to the ground :o)
Elsewise...look above the leaves you find the frass on...remember the laws of gravity :o)
Or walk outside at night with a flashlight and check over your plant...some caterpillars are night fieeders...like moths and some skippers.
~ Cat
Yes,I was told about 4 yrs ago when I first saw them,they didn't feed on locust. I think I remember reading somewhere that locust are a member of citrus family but don't quote me as an expert on that...LOL. I'm hoping to get picture of them for confirmation but they're being shy.
I'll have to try the tree whacking method.
P
If there were orange dogs on a locust, they just went there to pupate or something. Locust is a legume plant, not citrus...not a host plant for that in my book. If what is eating your plant is a butterfly species, it would be a skipper...Silver-Spotted Skipper, Dreamy Duskywing or Zarucco Duskywing...that's what my book lists. But it could also be a moth species or just insects of some kind. If you spot a caterpillar, take a pic and let us see it.
Linda,
Ok,I keep looking but haven't found what's munching the locust.
P