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For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#154419
Redbud leaffolder caterpillar - Fascista cercerisella

Redbud leaffolder caterpillar - Fascista cercerisella
Athens/ State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Clarke County, Georgia, USA
October 1, 2007
Size: about 1.5 cm
The host plant is, unsurprisingly, Redbud (Cercis canadensis).

Predators
We have two redbuds in our yard and saw the leaffolder caterpillar on them. I searched and found a site that said to use such-and-such spray on the caterpillar, but it was not guaranteed.

Since we have lots of birds, I did not want to risk it.

Well, after several days of observation, we have confirmed that Chickadee's and Titmice are eating the caterpillars! I have watched them go from leaf to leaf, pecking on the fold. After inspection of the tree when they are gone, the caterpillar is missing in those leaves where they hunted.

So, there is no need to spray. Leave the little monsters for the Chickadees and Titmice!