Caterpillars killed by mold? (1 Viewer)

T

tonyksd

New member

• Nov 20, 2019

• #1

I saw many caterpillars die because of something that was white.
I don't know what it is, but I think it might be some mold.
What do you think?

 

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Deb Burhinus

Used to be well known! 😎

• Nov 20, 2019

• #2

Are you sure these aren’t cocoons of either parasite killing caterpillars or caterpillar building a cocoon to pupate (are they dying or pupating - can you tell the difference?

 

T

tonyksd

New member

• Nov 20, 2019

• #3

Deb Burhinus said:

Are you sure these aren’t cocoons of either parasite killing caterpillars or caterpillar building a cocoon to pupate (are they dying or pupating - can you tell the difference?

Click to expand...

I'm sure those aren't their cocoons. This is Parasa lepida caterpillar and this is Parasa lepida cocoon looks like.

 

Last edited: Nov 20, 2019

honeym

Well-known member

• Nov 22, 2019

• #4

It's possible that the white stuff that you see is the spun silken cocoons of a parasitic wasp (actually many wasps). It does not look like a fungal attack. Unfortunately I can't see enough detail in the photo to be certain.
Martin