I know, I know! Leafrollers.

More info here: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/azgard/msg0921074620175.html?13

Thanks! I suspected something like aphids. I'll treat them right away.

The culprit has been identified by Carl Olson, entomologist for the University of Arizona.

"Looks like that Tecoma eater is Antigastra catalaunalis, a pyralid first collected in southern Baja in October on Tecoma, later reared in CA on penstemon in April I believe. The adult pictures in some of the literature leave a bit to be desired..., and the larvae are well all over the place. It was described as a leaf-tier, which is good. I found them encased in silk in the rolled leaves here. So it's a good year for them. Mike Plagens had a picture on BugGuide of the larva, just like yours. Looks like it feeds on Sesame and they are working on plant resistance. It is Old World tropics and subtropics in origin, introduced here.

In Jerry Powell's book Moths of Western North America they call it the Tecoma Leaf-tier and note distributions. Their adult photo leaves a lot to be desired. On line there is one from Great Britain that looks much like yours.

It's a great year for it. Who knows if it is odd or not as this is our first go-around."

Carl
--
Carl A. Olson, Associate Curator
1140 E. South Campus Dr.
Dept. of Entomology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
FAX (520) 621-1150 Office (520) 621-5925
e-mail bugman@ag.arizona.edu
database website: http://150.135.42.143:591/fmi/iwp/res/iwp_home.html
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only
true friends will leave footprints in your heart. -Anon-

Since the problem was first brought to attention in September, I found my TS infested with the nasty whatever, leafroller, leaf-tier, ???. I'm not even going to bother an attempt to get rid of it. I'm pruning now for bulk trash pickup and I'm cutting this plant down and stuffing it in a bag for collection. If it comes back, fine; if not, fine. I'm tired of the battle of the bugs. :(

One bush is not too bad, but the other two are a lost cause. I, too, am going to cut them way back and keep my fingers crossed. My Cape Honeysuckles have been hit too but they are not nearly as bad as the yellow bells.

My tacoma yellow bells just got them too. I am going to use BT. (I'm in Sun City)

Any suggestions as to where I can get BT in Casa Grande? Lowe's, Home Depot, local nursery?

I got my BT at Lowe's here in the valley. They carry the Garden Safe brand, and it seems to be effective. Just bear in mind you need to reapply frequently, since the new growth on the plant won't be protected, and that what these stinkers like best.

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Safe BT

My bougainvillea now has them also. grrr