What's eating my banana passionflower?

Banana passionflower (Passiflora mollissima) is targeted by gulf fritillary and other heliconiine caterpillars that can strip foliage, aphids that curl new growth, and spider mites in hot dry spells. Leaf-rolling tortrix moth caterpillars also damage young stems. Caterpillars are the main threat; Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) controls them without harming pollinators.

Bright orange-red larvae skeletonize or completely defoliate leaves; heavy infestations can strip a vine rapidly Hand-pick small colonies; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for larger infestations; tolerate light damage as the butterfly is a valued pollinator

Colonies on shoot tips cause curled, distorted new growth and sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mold Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Fine stippling and pale mottling on leaves, fine webbing on undersides; leaf drop in severe cases Increase humidity, hose foliage; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear