How to Tell If Catalpa Worms Are Dead

Catalpa or catawba worms are larvae of the catalpa sphinx moth. In the larval stage, the pest insects skeletonize leaves on the catalpa tree, causing considerable damage. Despite their destructive eating habits, the larvae have significant value as fish bait due to their attractive green, oozing innards and sweet aroma. Fisherman can freeze the larvae and thaw them out for live bait prior to fishing. Like most larvae, catalpa "worms" become pale and motionless in various stages of their life cycle, and may seem dead.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowl
  • Cornmeal, oatmeal or bran
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the larvae from the freezer or refrigerator. Larvae should be stored in a cold place in an airtight container of cornmeal, oatmeal or bran so they will stay dormant until ready for use. Larvae kept outside or at room temperature will eventually pupate and transform into moths.

    • 2

      Remove the lid from the larvae's container and smell the insides. The larvae should have a sweet, earthy odor. If they smell foul, they are probably deceased.

    • 3

      Allow the larvae to thaw out and eat for several hours. Larvae should have the opportunity to thaw and eat once a week to prevent starvation. If the insects remain motionless after several hours, they may be dead, close to the pupa stage or in the pupa stage.

    • 4

      Inspect the condition of the insects. Young larvae are white or pale yellow, with a black spine at the rear. Older larvae have a black band down the back, which disappears close to pupation. The catalpa pupa is reddish brown and motionless, and may be mistaken for a dead caterpillar's corpse. If the pupa is very dark, it may be dead.

    • 5

      Bend a suspect pupa gently at the abdomen to verify that it is dead. If the pupa remains bent, it is most likely dead.