Orange Dog Caterpillar on Lime Tree: Harmless to Mature Trees

Identification

Mottled gray/brown, orange horns (osmeterium) everted when touched, lemony odor = Orange Dog caterpillar (giant swallowtail larva).

Impact

• Young trees: can defoliate.
• Mature trees: easily withstand leaf loss.

Management

1. Hand-pick eggs/caterpillars on small trees.
2. Natural parasites usually control them.
3. No spray needed for established trees.

Reference

Photo: BugGuide.