Page 34 - SilverLakes_Issue 5_2022

GARDENING

CATERPILLARS

By Elize Malan

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly. – R. Buckminster Fuller

uring autumn, various types of As stated above, caterpillars seen on a Shrubs and flowers are prone to severe
worms appear on trees and shrubs. variety of our indigenous trees are the attacks, but treatment with a contact
DThey differ in size and colour, and larval stage of our indigenous moths and pesticide is effective.
can be woolly or have spikes or knobs. butterflies. Moths and butterflies are host
This year, due to excessive summer rains, specific, and three trees – Harpephyllum, Treating trees is more difficult. A high-
the worm population has exploded. The Ekebergia and Trichilia – have provided the pressure washer can help. Systemic soil
correct name for such worms is caterpillars. ideal food for the Rhenia mediata moth treatment is very slow when used at the
caterpillars over autumn. These moths feed root level of a tree. It will also result in
Caterpillars are the larval stage of any only on these three indigenous species. poisonous flowers that will kill nectar-
member of the moth and butterfly family sucking insects like bees and butterflies,
(which belong to the insect order known The African wild silk moth is a remarkable and will be detrimental to nectar-eating
as Lepidoptera). As the Encyclopaedia insect. The mature caterpillar is protected birds such as sunbirds.
Britannica says: “Many caterpillars within by spines that can cause irritation to would-
the order Lepidoptera are called worms, be attackers. The insect is often referred to The caterpillar stage of most indigenous
such as the measuring worm, silkworm and as a “brandwurm”. Children touching the moths and butterflies lasts for two to five
armyworm.” caterpillar will find it unpleasant and may weeks. This is followed by the longest stage
end up with an allergic skin reaction, but it of the life cycle, which will allow the insect
So, worms come in many different forms is easily treatable. to overwinter. A pupa can remain dormant
and are all related, some closely and until environmental conditions become
others more distant. Most caterpillars have This moth, like many others, has natural ideal for the mature moth or butterfly to
cylindrical bodies consisting of multiple enemies such as parasitic flies and wasps emerge.
segments. They have small teeth and a that lay their eggs on the caterpillar and
jaw but no eyes. Worms don’t have limbs; then feed off its resources until it spins a Sources:
they move with the help of long or circular cocoon and pupates. These parasites then https://www.sanbi.org.... moth/
muscles – for example, earthworms. safely develop in the cocoon and emerge as https://www.africanmoths.com
adult flies or wasps. Inseklopedie van Suider-Afrika by Erik Holm
Caterpillars have powerful, well-developed
jaws with sharp cutting surfaces. They also In our gardens nature cannot always be Tel: 012 804 1807
have six pairs of simple eyes and five to six allowed to run its course. We do not wish Fax: 012 804 0278
pairs of “prolegs” that enable them to move for caterpillars to nest on our Clivias, for Web: www.garden-group.co.za
forward. They are voracious feeders and are example, as they can damage the flowers. Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
serious agricultural pests, which is why they Take the Lily Borer caterpillar: it is active
are targeted by farmers and gardeners alike. at night and lays its eggs in clusters. These
Over the past century, 64 species of butterfly develop into black caterpillars with yellow
and moth have become extinct, while 75% bands. They feast on the leaves of the Clivia,
of all butterflies are in decline partly due to working their way into the centre of the plant
the excessive use of insecticides. where they devour the entire core and bulb.

32 | INTRAMUROS JUNE 2022