Question
Hi Jacob adn Jeff

I have noticed that a lot of my Sarracenia have small wholes in the sides of the pitchers. This lookes as though it is insect damage, as though something has eaten it's eay out. In oncase the whole was lagrge enough that the pitcher toppled over. This does not look like slug dammage since in most cases it is just a single small hole toward the bottom of the pitcher.

Is this something I need to concern myself about. and if it is an insect, how do I treat it ?

thanks

Nicole
90 miles north of NYC

Answer
Hi Nicole,

This is pretty common.  I've seen some wasps do this, and here in Oregon we have a wood beetle that does the same thing.  Since your in the east, this may also be Eryx moth.  Open up one of the collapsed pitchers and see if you find what looks like grass in the pitcher.  If you do, it's a caterpillar doing this.  This can be a concern if you see a lot of them.  If the damage gets worse spray with a systemic insecticide.


Good Growing!

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