What Causes Skeletonized Leaves?

The most common reason for skeletonized leaves is caterpillar larvae feeding along the veins of the leaves. The life cycle starts in spring with the adult laying its eggs in clusters on the underside of the leaves.

What bug causes skeletonized leaves?

Chewing Insects

Caterpillars (immature stages of moths and butterflies like tent caterpillars), sawflies, grasshoppers, and beetle larvae and adults all have chewing mouthparts that can remove plant tissue. These pests chew holes in leaves, skeletonize leaves or defoliate plants.

How do you treat skeletonized leaves?

Chemical Treatment of Skeletonized Leaves on Plants

Neem or horticultural grade oil, insecticidal soap and blasts of water to remove the insects and their larvae are often effective. Larvae are most effected when treated young in the spring and early summer.