The oleander caterpillar is a bright orange caterpillar with tufts of long black hairs that feeds almost exclusively on oleander plants. In southern regions of Florida the oleander caterpillar can cause considerable defoliation. Early infestation by the oleander caterpillar is easy to recognize. The young larvae turn the new oleander shoots a light brown color due to their skeletonizing feeding behavior (leaving the major and minor leaf veins untouched while eating the tissue in between). Examination of the underneath surface of these brown leaves or the foliage below will usually reveal a group of small larvae. These can be easily controlled by spraying the foliage with Thuricide. We recommend at least two applications 7-14 days apart.