Key to Identifying Larvae

Talerico, R. L., 1978. Major hardwood defoliators of the Eastern United States. U.S. Dep. Agric., Home and Garden Bull. 224.

Key No.			Refer to Key No.
1.	A.	Larva feeds and lives within a leaf roll or several leaves.	2.
1.	B.	Larva feeds freely, does not construct leaf roll or leaf mat.	3.
2.	A.	Head pale brown except for a longitudinal black bar on the lower cheek (side of head); region immediately behind pale brown - Oak Leaftier
2.	B.	Head with irregular black markings on other areas besides cheek; often most of head dark brown to black; region immediately behind head usually darkened on top and sides - Oak Leaf Roller
3.	A.	Larva hairy or with tufts of hair on each body segment.	4.
3.	B.	Larva with few body hairs, almost bare.	5.
4.	A.	Larva dusty or sooty black; on back, a double row of 5 pairs of dark blue spots followed by a double row of 6 pairs of brick red spots - Gypsy Moth
4.	B.	Larva dark blue black; whitish-yellow, keyhole-shaped spots on back - Forest Tent Caterpillar
5.	A.	Larval body bright yellow; back with 10 black wavy lengthwise lines; rusty-brown head - Linden Looper
5.	B.	Larval body not bright yellow.	6.
6.	A.	Larval body and head cream colored with many lengthwise black wavy lines - Half-Wing Geometer
6.	B.	Larval body light to dark green.	7.
7.	A.	Larva may have a lengthwise dark brown stripe on back of white lengthwise lines; three pairs of hind legs, one pair smaller and in front of others - Fall Cankerworm
7.	B.	Larval body a dull slate black, variable; two pairs of hind legs; rust-colored head - Elm Spanworm


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