SCCF: Native caterpillars predating fig trees
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that Sanibel residents are reporting damage to their strangler fig trees due to predation from Edward’s wasp moth caterpillars, a native moth that seems to be booming.
“We’re unsure why Edward’s wasp moth caterpillars are having such an impact, because we’ve never seen this happen before. It may be because they have less food to eat due to the storm,” Adult Education Director Jenny Evans said. “We advocate against chemical treatment or harming the moths, as they are native and play a role in our local ecosystem.”
She added that the caterpillars will likely eat anything in the genus Ficus.
“There are less non-native weeping figs and Cuban Laurels on the island today due to impacts from the Ficus whitefly and Hurricane Ian,” Evans said.