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Leaf Skeletonizers (Various families)
Leaf skeletonizing caterpillars and beetles feed on leaf tissue between the veins, leaving behind a transparent, papery skeleton that browns and becomes brittle. Many species attack ornamental trees and shrubs including oak, birch, and grape, with heavy infestations producing a scorched appearance across entire plants. While established trees can tolerate moderate damage, repeated severe defoliation stresses plants. Early application of targeted insecticides when larvae are young and before feeding damage becomes widespread provides the most effective control.