Infestation of mealy bug, aphids, defoliating caterpillars, stem borer were eradicated. During the breeding season, their diet switches to invertebrates, especially defoliating caterpillars. It includes some species that are notorious defoliating pests. They are often considered pests due to their habit of defoliating trees. The larvae feed on the foliage of the plant, defoliating it. The larvae feed on the foliage of the plant, often defoliating it completely. The trees eventually start yellowing and defoliating followed by fast wilting and dying of limbs. The "Guazuma ulmifolia" falls prey most commonly to the defoliating insect "Phelyypera distigma". Thus, large populations of greenstriped mapleworms are capable of defoliating trees. They feed on the leaves of their host plant, defoliating the stems. Biological control with a defoliating artiid was attempted in the 1970s. Defoliating insects have further damaged the forests. This plate may have hindered the teeth to be displaced while defoliating plants. This newfound predator may limit the effects that "A. alstroemeriana" have in defoliating "C. maculatum". Defoliating outbreaks are occasionally reported especially on Manitoba maple and elm in urban areas.