Caterpillars of Rusicada privata (formally Anomis commoda) (Walker, 1865) have been observed in Scioto County, Ohio, approximately 5 aerial miles north of Greenup County, Kentucky. The species, known as the rose-of-sharon moth or hibiscus leaf caterpillar moth (Figure 1), is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. The moth, belonging in the Family Erebidae, is thought to have been introduced to the eastern seaboard of North America in the 20th century and has since become established. In 2013, one verified siting of an adult moth was reported for Columbiana County in northeastern Ohio. Two additional reports of adult specimens were submitted for Dayton and Perry County, Ohio in September and August of 2018, respectively. Adult moths and caterpillars have been previously reported in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Adults have also been observed in Tennessee and one record exists for Texas. The observation of actively feeding caterpillars of this species in southern Ohio may indicate a westward extension of its established range.
Figure 1. Japanese rose-of-sharon caterpillar feeding on swamp rose mallow (Photo: Sarah Colvin, Shawnee State University).
Figure 2. Rose-of-sharon caterpillar size compared to Carolina mantis (Photo: Sarah Colvin, Shawnee State University) .
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Rose-of-sharon caterpillars are known to feed on Hibiscus species. In Scioto County, caterpillars were responsible for the defoliation of ornamental rose-of-sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) and swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus mosheutos). Caterpillars demonstrated an ability to entirely defoliate rose-of-sharon and severely damage swamp rose mallow leaves. While little is understood about this species, multiple annual generations beginning in late May onward have been reported.
Figure 3. Defoliation to Rose of Sharon (Photo: Sarah Colvin, Shawnee State University) .
By Sarah Colvin, Shawnee State University, Department of Natural Sciences, Biology
(Submitted by Ric Bessin, UK Extension Entomologist)
Kentucky Pest News 