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The azalea caterpillar, Datana major Grote & Robinson. Azalea caterpillars can defoliate azaleas. Young larvae skeletonize the leaves and the larger ones eat the entire leaf. The mature larvae is 2 inches in length and can be recognized by the red head, the red last segment and the broken yellow (occasionally white) lengthwise stripes. When it is disturbed, the caterpillar raises its front and rear ends into the air.
Common host plants: azalea as well as apple, blueberry and red oak.
For additional information on the azalea caterpillar see the Featured Creatures Web site at http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/azalea_caterpillar.htm
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