Caterpillars on Live Oak: Yellownecked or Orangestriped Oakworm

Katy, TX: caterpillars dropping from live oaks, yellow stripes on sides. Life cycle? Burrow in soil?

Two Candidates

• Yellownecked caterpillar (info)
• Orangestriped oakworm (info)

Both

• Feed gregariously on oak leaves.
• Mature larvae drop, pupate in soil.
• One generation/year.
• Adult moths emerge next spring.

For Grandson

Collect mature caterpillars, put in jar with soil and oak leaves. Watch pupation and moth emergence.

Bottom Line

Likely orangestriped oakworm. They pupate in soil. Fun rearing project!