Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1138248

Hibiscus-leaf Caterpillar
Rusicada privata

Observation date: August 29, 2017
Submitted by: MHurley
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: A healthy, fully leafed and starting to blossom Rose of Sharon bush was completely denuded of leaves within days by this infestation of caterpillars. Another smaller Rose of Sharon 6 feet away was untouched. My eagle-eyed husband spotted the culprit caterpillar because even when pointing out the damage and my being just a few feet away, I could not spot this caterpillar. It's incredible how much they blended into the twigs. They appeared to be at different stages of development, getting darker and larger with age.
Status: Resident
Verified by: curtis.lehman
Verified date: August 29, 2017
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): Bradford County, United States, Pennsylvania