Starting a Catalpa Worm Population on Your Trees

Sourcing Live Catalpa Worms

To establish catalpa worms (catawba worms) on your trees, try these sources:

• Local bait shops—many sell catalpa caterpillars or know suppliers.
• Nearby infested trees—ask property owners for permission to collect caterpillars.
• Online contacts—forums like Crappie.com sometimes have members (e.g., "Turkeyfootnc" in NC) willing to ship live caterpillars.

Transplanting and Establishing a Colony

1. Place collected caterpillars on your catalpa leaves; they'll begin feeding immediately.
2. Allow them to complete development: they'll pupate, emerge as moths, and lay eggs on your tree.
3. Critical: Never harvest all caterpillars in a season. Leave enough to sustain the population.

Helpful Resource

Auburn University's Catalpa Sphinx Bulletin provides detailed biology and management information.

With patience and conservative harvesting, you can maintain a self-sustaining bait supply.