Caterpillars that Attack Oak Trees - Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

The following question was sent to the P&PDL diagnosticians here at Purdue University:

Question: I would like more information on caterpillars that attack oak trees and their description.

Answer: There are a several caterpillars that attack oak trees. Examples:

Orangestriped oakworms -- Approximately 55 mm long, black in color with four yellow-orange stripes running the length of the body. They also have short spines protruding from the sides of the body.
Yellownecked caterpillars (see photo) -- Approximately 30 mm long, black in color with 7-8 yellow stripes running the length of the body. They have a black head with a yellow-orange neck. Sides of the prolegs are orange to yellow. White hairs arise from body. There is also a yellow-red color phase (all descriptions apply except for the black body).
Redhumped oakworms -- Approximately 40-50 mm long, brilliantly colored with stripes consisting of yellow, white and black. The head is red. On the tail end, the caterpillar has a reddish-orange bump, hence the name redhumped oakworm.

--Corey Gerber, Insect Diagnostician

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