Every spring, caterpillars return to New Orleans in full force, dropping from the city’s historic oak trees and surprising anyone walking beneath them.
These aren’t just any caterpillars. One of the most common species spotted around this time is the oak leafroller caterpillar (Archips semiferana), which feeds on the fresh leaves of Southern live oaks. These caterpillars can be seen dangling from silk threads, dropping onto sidewalks, railings, and unsuspecting passersby.
They’re part of a natural life cycle that’s been playing out for generations in Louisiana. After feeding for several weeks, these caterpillars will eventually transform into small, nondescript moths. Other local species—like the forest tent caterpillar and tussock moth caterpillar—also appear during the spring, depending on weather patterns and tree health.
Why It Happens in New Orleans
What makes this event feel so intense in New Orleans is the city’s sprawling canopy of Southern live oaks (Quercus virginiana). From Audubon Park to St. Charles Avenue, these trees provide an ideal environment for caterpillar populations to thrive. Because the oaks form dense corridors over sidewalks and streets, residents experience these insects up close and personal.
Critters: A Part of New Orleans Culture
Whether you love them or hate them, one thing that makes New Orleans unique is the ever-present wildlife. From chorus frogs after a rain to cockroaches the size of matchbox cars, the critters are part of life here. Caterpillars in spring are just another reminder that nature is never far away in this city.
Are They Dangerous?
Most caterpillars you’ll encounter during this season are harmless, though some can cause mild skin irritation. It’s wise to avoid touching them directly. However, there are rare exceptions. Louisiana is home to the puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States. It’s more often found in shrubs and low trees than live oaks, but caution is always a good idea.
Will the Trees Be Okay?
Yes. Most oak trees recover quickly after caterpillar feeding. Defoliation can look alarming, but unless a tree is already weakened by disease or drought, it’s unlikely to suffer lasting damage. According to the LSU AgCenter, healthy trees can withstand spring leaf loss without long-term effects.
What’s Causing the Boom?
Entomologists suggest that warmer winters could be contributing to higher survival rates among caterpillar eggs, leading to larger spring hatches. Climate shifts may also extend the season, making the caterpillar presence feel more pronounced in recent years.
What You Can Do
If you’re tired of finding caterpillars on your porch or patio furniture, regular sweeping and spraying with water can help. Avoid using chemical pesticides unless absolutely necessary, as they can harm beneficial insects and local birds that feed on caterpillars.
Caterpillar season in New Orleans is messy, unpredictable, and surprisingly beautiful. It’s also a sign that spring has fully arrived. So next time one drops in front of your face while walking under an oak, take a second to appreciate the strange rhythm of life in this city. Because in New Orleans, even the bugs know how to make an entrance.
