What is this monster in my lemon tree?!

[scribbledaway]

What is it???  There are dozens of it all over my tree

Comments

[bobbysan]

Are you looking for an answer that is more deep than just the obvious, caterpillar?

It's the caterpillar form of the giant Swallowtail butterfly, most commonly known as an Orange Dog.

[scribbledaway]

LOL, I knew it was a caterpillar, but yes what kind is what I meant, and is it going to kill my tree????? I just saved the tree from scale, am I now going to have to wage war against caterpillars?

Sigh. There are so many bugs down here!!!!

[bobbysan]

. Although it's upsetting to find leaves that have been munched on, if your tree is healthy and not stressed, it can handle this quite well. Be sure to keep your tree fertilized (don't over-fertilize) and watered properly and it should be just fine if a few caterpillars get past you. In removal of the caterpillars, you'll be most likely to find and remove the larger ones, but keep in mind that the smaller ones are going to do less damage anyway. I don't think you can prevent these caterpillars from being on your tree (unless you spray a lot) but just a general check every few days should keep this problem to a bare minimum. Best of luck with your lemon tree and thanks for asking.

[bobbysan]

Found online, of course. :)

[scribbledaway]

Thank you :)