I just saw my first catalpa worm of the year.  Catalpa sphinx caterpillars (Ceratomia catalpae), are capable of defoliating a large catalpa in a relatively short period of time. This often happens in the heat of the summer between mid-June and the 4th of July.

Anglers across the South prize these caterpillars as the absolute best fish bait available during high summer.  If you have a Catalpa, don’t worry about these caterpillars – maybe plan a fishing trip.