Catalpa Sphinx Moth

These hornworms are native to the Eastern United States and can be found anywhere that catalpa trees grow. Typically, catalpa worms are only a minor pest of catalpa trees however in some years there can be an outbreak that can defoliate trees in a relatively short period of time. Because these caterpillars are native to the US there are a host of beneficial insects that serve as natural predators of these hornworms so usually control is not needed.

Catalpa worms are a member of the hornworm family however unlike most hornworms these caterpillars are rarely found individually and usually are found in groups. Young larvae are mostly white with black spots and a black “horn” however, as they get older their colors can range from yellow to almost entirely black but most of them are yellow with patches of black along their back and a dark black “horn”. Adults are heavy bodied with large wings that are grey to brown in color with irregular dark markings and a wingspan of approximately 3 inches. The pupa overwinter at the base of the tree and the adults will hatch in the spring before laying eggs. This species is a boom or bust insect with some years they are almost impossible to find and other years they are numerous. If there are outbreaks they usually occur for a couple years before they disappear again. Control is rarely needed due to the numerous natural predators however they do make an excellent fishing bait if you find them and are sometimes raised for that purpose.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu