Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Caterpillars, on canna lilies
Question:	I have a bed of cannas that has been destroyed the past two years by "leaf rollers." Are you familiar with this caterpillar, and if so, what do I use to get rid of them? They literally eat up the broad leaves of the canna plant.
Answer:	I believe you are being visited by the Brazilian skipper, but there are actually two caterpillars that feed on canna. They are known as the lesser canna leafroller (Geshna cannalis), and the larger canna leafroller (Calpodes ethlius). The lesser canna leafroller is a pyralid moth. The lesser is a pyralid moth. The larger canna leafroller is known as Brazilian skipper as an adult. You can control them with Dipel, Thuricide, Sevin, or several other insecticides.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg264.html
Related Link:
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.