Bougainvillea Looper
Maricopa County Master Gardener Fact Sheet
Bougainvillea Looper - Disclisioprocta stellata
- Hosts - Bougainvillea
- Calendar - Summer
- Size - Length is about 1 inch
Distribution
The bougainvillea looper can be found in areas where bougainvillea naturally grows – generally the South and Southwest parts of the country as well in tropical areas such as the Hawaiian Islands.
Damage
Newly hatched and young larvae feed on tender shoots and along the edges of leaves, causing them to appear scalloped. Older larvae feed on mature leaves. Heavy infestations may cause severe defoliation. Adults do not feed on foliage.
Description
The bougainvillea looper is a smooth-skinned yellowish or green to brown caterpillar, up to 1 inch long. Bougainvillea loopers are small, worm-like caterpillars that are commonly called “inchworms.” They will move by bunching up their body and then stretching back out, as though they are measuring the space.
Identification
Like other loopers, or "inchworms", these caterpillars move by drawing their rear up to their head in a loop, then moving their front legs forward. Adults are fast-flying gray to brown colored moths with a wingspan of about 1 inch. Larvae and adults are active at night.
Life Cycle
The looper's life cycle lasts between 23 to 95 days.
Considerations Before Taking Action
Make Sure You Have the Right Insect: Another insect that can leave similar signs of destruction on plants are leafcutter bees. They commonly cut circles from ornamental plants such as roses, azaleas, ash, redbud, bougainvillea and other plants with thin smooth leaves. These circles of leaves are used to build nests. Nevertheless, you should take care to not use insecticides as bees are important native pollinators of wildflowers, fruits, vegetables, and other crops. Generally, the damage from the cuts is not detrimental to the plant(s).
Control
Check bougainvillea periodically during warm weather for signs of a looper infestation. Look for feeding damage and dark fecal pellets. Birds and other natural enemies feed on loopers, but may not provide adequate control at certain times of the year. Applications of Bacillus thuringiensis will control young loopers, but may not be very effective against mature ones. Spinosad is effective against both mature and young larvae.
Use of Insecticide: Spinosad and “Bt” (bacillus thuringiensis) are considered to be standard methods for controlling caterpillars. They are likewise safe for users. Spinosad is also noted as being equally safe for “beneficial insects” as well as “for adult butterflies and many insect predators and parasites” …as well as being in the “safest human health category.” Nevertheless, pesticides, which include insecticides, fungicides and herbicides are part of the reason our pollinators are struggling. Avoiding their use helps reduce the stress on vulnerable bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
References
University of California, Integrated Pest Management Program, “How to Manage Pests: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes, Bougainvillea looper - Disclisioprocta stellata”
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/bougainloop.html
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Hawaii, “Bougainvillea Looper”
https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/IP-2.pdf
BugGuide.net, Species Disclisioprocta stellata
https://bugguide.net/node/view/1458523
Colorado State University Extension, Fact Sheet, “Leafcutter Bees”
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/leafcutter-bees-5-576/
Texas Cooperative Extension, “Horticulture Update: Spinosad: An Insecticide To Make Organic Gardeners Smile”