Sunflower Insects

Woolybear Caterpillars (Arctiidae)

The saltmarsh caterpillar, Estigmene acrea.

Adult saltmarsh caterpillar.

Larva of Grammia sp.

Woolly bears are bristly moth larvae of the family Arctiidae. Limited defoliation is caused by one or more species in most fields. Rarely is damage severe enough to justify field-wide controls. Insecticides may be warranted if the defoliation reaches 25 percent during bloom and larvae have not begun to pupate.

Please refer to the most recent version of the Sunflower Insect Management Guide for control options.

Page last updated 10/29/2013 by J.P. Michaud.