Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Early Polypogon (Polypogon cruralis)

Maier, C.T., C.R. Lemmon, J.M. Fengler, D.F. Schweitzer, and R.C. Reardon. 2004. Caterpillars on the Foliage of Conifers in the Northeastern United States. FHTET-2004-1. Morgantown, WV: USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team; 151 p.

Description. Grayish body with dull yellow speckles, dull red reticulation, and dorsal rows of small dark spots. Light brown head with darker brown reticulation and sometimes with small spots. Dorsum and lower half of abdomen with small, dark brown spots; yellowish orange band at posterior margin of segments contrasts with ground color. Up to 25 mm.

Food. Balsam fir, eastern hemlock, spruces, and other conifers.

Life Cycle. One generation in New England. Mature caterpillar overwinters in chamber in soil or debris. Mature caterpillar present on tree in September and October.

Comments. We have reared this caterpillar from the second to the last instar on the live needles of eastern hemlock. Wagner et al. (2001) and others have suggested that it eats mainly lichens, dead leaves, or other organic matter. Until recently, this species was known as Zanclognatha cruralis.

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