We just received the question, “What do catalpa worms eat?” We are happy to answer this question and to provide some information to our reader about the worms and their food source!

Despite their name, catalpa worms aren’t worms at all, they are caterpillars. The larvae mature into hawk moths, called the catalpa sphinx moth. Catalpa worms are also known by a few other names. Scientifically, they are known as Ceratomia catalpae. When we wrote about these organisms in the past, we called them catawba worms. All in all, it doesn’t matter what you prefer to call these critters. Now, on to our reader’s question: What do they eat?

Catalpa worms eat catalpa trees! Catalpa trees are deciduous trees that are native to parts of North America and grow in hot, dry soils. Catalpa trees have arrow-shaped bright green leaves and white flowers. They grow 40-70 feet tall and live for about 60 years! If you live in the Midwestern United States, chances are you have seen a catalpa tree before.

So, what is the relationship between catalpa worms and catalpa trees? Well, we think it is a pretty interesting one. Caterpillars are usually considered pests because of the damage they do to trees, especially when they occupy the tree in large numbers. In fact, we often give advice about natural ways to keep caterpillars off of trees and other crops. With catalpa worms, the situation is reversed. People want catalpa worms on their catalpa trees. Many people actually plant and raise catalpa trees for the primary purpose of attracting the caterpillars. This is because catalpa worms make excellent bait for fishing. You can freeze the worms for months to be used later for bait! In addition, catalpa worms and catalpa trees depend on each other. The catalpa tree is the only thing the caterpillars eat, and their droppings fertilize the tree and everything else under its canopy.

To conclude, catalpa worms rely on catalpa trees for a food source. As far as caterpillars and trees go, these two have a good relationship. Our reader didn’t explain why she was curious about these caterpillars, but we hope she has found this information useful!

 

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