These caterpillars (Armyworms) are eating my waterlilies alive in the stock tank. If you know what type of caterpillar this is, please post it in the comments section. Thank you Wizzie Brown for letting us know.
As if it wasn’t bad enough that they are eating the lilies, they are leaving even more disgusting droppings all over. I recognize these from my tomato plants, although they were much smaller in size.
I love this Tropical Waterlily ‘Midnight’. Vibrant blue with yellow is outstanding in the garden. I am going to pick them off and move them elsewhere before it’s too late.
Interesting…and yucky. I’ve never seen caterpillars on a water lily before. I suggest you ask Wizzie at Urban IPM blog (out of Austin) what you’ve got there.
Thanks Pam. I’ve sent her an email asking for help. 🙂
They look like some type of armyworm. You can try hand picking them off & dumping them in a bucket of soapy water or squishing them and leaving for the birds (or fish in your pond if you have them). You could also use Bt var. kurstaki which is specific to caterpillars (make sure the Bt is labeled for use in ponds). The caterpillars need to eat the Bt for it to work properly, so make sure to get good coverage on the plants.
Thanks Wizzie! I’ll opt for pulling them off and putting them in a bucket of soapy water. 🙂