Question

Pitcher Damage  

More Damamge   Good day Jacob and Jeff

 It appears that something is eating some of my plants. I don't think it is slugs because I am not seeing any slime trails. I did find a single small white caterpillar on one. Unfortunately I did not think to take a photo of it. T

What are you recommending as insecticides these days. I am a little hesitant to use a systemic as one killed my bogs a few years back. There doesn't seem to be any new damage .. but I want to be prepared should it start up again.

Answer
Hi Nicole,

The top photo looks like insect chewing, and a caterpillar could definitely cause that damage.  The bottom photo looks more like slug or snail damage.  Definitely bait for the mollusks as a preventative.

For an insecticide, if you know the problem is a caterpillar, BT compounds made for vegetables and fruit trees work super well for them.  Other products you can use include Neem products, and Spinosad products. Be sure to follow application directions, and with most organics you'll have to reapply on the recommend schedule, especially after rain.

What species/hybrid was this?  It looked like it had some leuco in it, but I was curious if it was an Oreophila hybrid?

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com