Yellow-striped Oakworm

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests and urban areas with oak trees, primarily in the southeastern United States.

Diet & Feeding

Leaves of oak trees (Quercus spp.), including water oak, pin oak, and willow oak.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are gregarious when young, feeding in groups, and become solitary as they mature. They undergo five instars before burrowing into the soil to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem as a food source for birds and small mammals; however, high populations can cause significant defoliation of host trees, though they rarely kill healthy trees.

Identified on: 4/19/2026