How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

| More pests | More crops | About guidelines |

Citrus

Pink Scavenger Caterpillar

Scientific Name: Pyroderces rileyi

(Reviewed 7/03, updated 7/03)

In this Guideline:

Description of the pest
Damage
Management

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST
The pink scavenger caterpillar occurs sporadically in the coastal areas of San Diego, Orange, and Ventura counties. When fully grown, larva are much smaller than other orangeworms. Pink scavenger caterpillars have light brown heads, black mouthparts, a dark brown prothoracic shield, and a dark pinkish abdomen.

DAMAGE
On orange and lemon trees, the caterpillar is mainly a scavenger, feeding on dry or decaying fruit, dead floral parts, and sooty mold. Look for it mainly among fruit clusters and under sepals. During summer, larvae may feed on the rind of ripe Valencias, often near the stem end or on the sides of fruit in a cluster. The feeding is usually superficial and does not cause appreciable damage. In a few cases, serious damage has occurred similar to that caused by orange tortrix. A heavy infestation may result in fruit drop or decaying fruit during storage.

MANAGEMENT
Treatment is rarely needed.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Citrus
UC ANR Publication 3441
Insects, Mites, and Snails
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. G. Morse, Entomology, UC Riverside
N. V. O’Connell, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
P. A. Phillips, UC IPM Program, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura Co.
C. E. Kallsen, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
Acknowledgments for contributions to the insect, mite, and snail section:
J. Barcinas, E. S. I., Corona, CA
R. Dunn, Badger Farming Co., Exeter, CA
J. Gorden, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
H. Griffiths, E. S. I., Corona, CA
D. Machlitt, Consulting Entomology Services, Moorpark, CA
C. Musgrove, retired entomologist, Riverside, CA
K. Olsen, S & J Ranch, Pinedale, CA
T. Roberts, E. S. I., Corona, CA
J. Stewart, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
P. Washburn, Washburn & Sons Citrus Pest Control, Riverside, CA

Top of page

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r107302811.html revised: July 12, 2004. Contact webmaster.