Bougainvillea Looper Information
Appearance:
The Bougainvillea Looper is usually green or brown in color, and they are approximately one inch in length. They are also referred to as the “inchworm”. When they move, this worm-like caterpillar, will scrunch up its’ body into an arch shape, and will “inch” along, in a forward direction.
Location and Behavior Patterns:
The Bougainvillea Looper, the inchworm, is especially attracted to the Bougainvillea plant, as well as other ornamental vines, bushes, or trees. They are often hard to spot, because their coloring allows them to blend in nicely with the surrounding vegetation. They also mainly feed during the nighttime hours, which also makes it difficult to spot these plant-destroying creatures. They will leave your plant leaves looking scalloped and partially eaten.
Bougainvillea Loopers multiply rapidly, and in order to treat them successfully, it is best to treat them in the early stages of development, before they begin to do major damage on your plants and bushes. One sign of an infestation, is noticing plentiful moths flying over your plants in the evening hours. This probably means that there are larvae attached to the closely positioned plants.
Treatment:
Insecticides are effective for treating the Bougainvillea Loopers. Most professionals suggest that insecticides should be used in the early evening hours, which will be most effective for this nighttime-feeding pest.
