As the larva matures it becomes highly colored. The head and legs are mahogany-red. The semi-skeletonized leaves dry up, turn brown, and remain on the plant for several days. If disturbed some of the caterpillars drop one or two inches below the infested leaf and hang by a silken thread. When it is disturbed, the caterpillar raises its front and rear ends into the air.
Young larvae skeletonize the leaves and the larger ones eat the entire leaf.
In some parts of the South there may be a partial second generation, but one generation is usually the rule. Damage Most of the damage in the southeast United States occurs in August and September, but in Florida it continues through October. Management Landscape Plant Insect Management Suggestions Selected References Baker, James R. Azalea Caterpillar. Insect and Related Pests of Shrubs . Johnson, W.T., H.H. Lyon, C.S. Koehler, and J.A. Weidhass.