Does a Black Caterpillar Eat Pepper Plants?
Pepper plants are among the most common selections for many home gardeners. Most varieties of pepper plants flourish in average garden soils with adequate sunlight and water. Unfortunately, more than 35 species of pests prey on pepper plants and can halt the development of the pepper fruits. Black caterpillars are among these pests. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Description
-
Black cutworm caterpillar is the common name for Agrotis ipsilon. Other names for this black caterpillar include cutworm, armyworm, underwing and dagger moth. The full-grown caterpillars reach a mature size near 2 inches long. They have a smooth body that is virtually hairless. Small black dots line the top and sides of this caterpillar. The black cutworm caterpillar frequently feeds on garden plants, including pepper plants.
These black caterpillars are the larvae of ipsilon dart moths. The adult moths lay their eggs among the leaves of young plants to provide a source of food for the hatching caterpillars. Left undisturbed, Agrotis ipsilon can produce an average of three generations each year.
Damage
-
Black cutworm caterpillars feed on the stems and foliage of healthy plants. They often cut the stems of pepper plants in half, leaving the separated segment to wither and die on the ground. While damage from caterpillars that feed near the tips of the leaves is minimal, caterpillars near the base of the pepper plants can destroy the entire plant quickly by eating through the main stem that supports the leaves and fruits. They normally feed during the night and often curl up in shaded areas of foliage or burrow beneath the soil during the heat of the day.
-
Prevention
-
Preventing damage from black cutworm caterpillars requires immediate action. Plucking them off in the cool morning hours is often all that is necessary to protect the health of the pepper plant that acts as the host. Large and recurrent infestations may require more aggressive treatment.
Treatment
-
Spraying an infested pepper plant with a pesticide formulated for use on garden plants will coat the stems and leaves with a poisonous substance that kills the feeding caterpillars. Spraying the nearby plants will help ensure complete removal. Your plants may require several pesticide applications throughout the summer, depending on the population of adult moths that continue laying new eggs.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thai Chilli Pepper Plant image by Stephen Gibson from Fotolia.com
