Has your ‘Desert Museum’ Palo Verde tree suddenly appeared to have lost all its leaves? If so, it could be the work of the Palo Verde Caterpillar. This night-feeding caterpillar is difficult to find during the day, as it tends to find a cooler spot to hang out. A large number of these chompers can defoliate an established Palo Verde tree almost overnight.
Here’s the good news. This caterpillar has a relatively short lifespan and established trees are rarely harmed. By the time you see the damage the caterpillars have likely formed a cocoon and stopped feeding. If you catch them early you can use the organic control of spraying with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Before long your tree will send out new leaves and be just as beautiful as it was before the chomping began.
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