What's eating my catalpa bignonioides?

Southern catalpa's most damaging pest is the catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar, which can completely defoliate a tree in days. Catalpa midge causes distorted leaf blisters, and aphids may cluster on new growth. Interestingly, catalpa worms are prized by anglers and sometimes deliberately encouraged.

Rapid, complete defoliation; large, conspicuous caterpillars on undersides of leaves; repeated defoliation weakens trees over successive years Hand-pick small colonies; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) when caterpillars are young; parasitic wasps are effective natural predators — avoid broad-spectrum insecticides to preserve them

Small blisters or pockmarks on leaf surfaces; affected tissue turns brown; heavy infestations cause distorted, papery foliage Rake and dispose of fallen leaves in autumn to break the life cycle; no chemical control is usually necessary on established trees

Dense colonies on shoot tips in spring; wilting and curling of young leaves; sticky honeydew and subsequent sooty mould Apply a strong water jet; introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings; use insecticidal soap if infestation is severe