Common Insects and Mites: Skeletonizers

Biology

Of the many species of skeletonizers, most are caterpillar types. Skeletonizers devour leaf tissue, leaving only leaf veins or “skeletons” behind when they feed. These pests frequently create webbing where they feed and sometimes tie leaves together with silk.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Hand-pick and destroy caterpillars when practical.
• Naturally-occurring enemies help control populations of apple-and-thorn skeletonizers. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
• Pinch caterpillars inside rolled leaves or prune and destroy heavily infested twigs.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

Refer to specific host fact sheets for application timing and registered pesticide products.

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