Problem: Omnivorous Looper
Sabulodes caberata This worm, the larva of a brown night-flying moth with a wingspan of up to 2 inches, attacks avocados and other trees and shrubs. Although the moth is nocturnal, it may be found during the day on the undersides of leaves, where it lays eggs. The larvae that hatch from these eggs feed on the foliage and developing fruit for about 6 weeks. Then they pupate inside leaves that they web together. Larval damage occurs year-round but is most severe during the spring and summer.
Several natural predators keep this pest under control, including tiny wasps, flies, viruses, and fungi. If infestation is severe, spray with a bacterial insecticide labeled for this pest, following label directions.