variable oakleaf caterpillar

The health of our forests: 2017 year-in-review

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Every year, the beautiful forests of our state are at risk from ominous threats.  Native insects come and go in significance, but the threat from invasive insects is only increasing with time. Some, such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and the emerald ash borer, have the potential to wipe out an entire group of trees in … Read more

Variable oakleaf caterpillar has big appetite, poses minor threat (unless caterpillar poop bothers you)

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  This summer, North Carolina has its own “Very Hungry Caterpillar,” a favorite children’s book character known for its large appetite. This caterpillar won’t eat through various fruits, cupcakes and ice cream as it does in the book, though. Rather, this caterpillar is eating through leaves of white oak, red oak, yellow poplar, black gum … Read more