Growing Small Farms: Yellow-necked Caterpillars in Blueberry

Beginning in mid-summer, blueberry bushes should be inspected every two weeks. Clusters of older larvae are usually quite visible feeding on the terminal leaves. Since infestations tend to be localized and readily detected in the field, growers can prevent severe defoliation by pruning out branches with caterpillars.

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feeding aggregation of yellow-necked caterpillars defoliating a blueberry plant

yellow-necked caterpillar demonstrating defensive posture

This page last updated February 22, 2007.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center
P.O. Box 279, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-542-8202

Website created and maintained by Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent.

URL: www.growingsmallfarms.org

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