With the recent decline of foliage on coast live oak trees in northern Monterey and southern Santa Cruz counties, many residents fear their trees have contracted Sudden Oak Death. In fact, their trees may very well not be affected by this deadly disease, but rather the latest outbreak of oakworm. Oakworms (the larvae of the oakmoth) feed on the leaves of coast live oaks and damage is characterized by a thinning or total loss of leaves on the tree. Remaining leaves will be browning, chewed, and accompanied by a buildup of greenish-tan caterpillar frass (droppings) below the tree. Live buds will be noticeable and the twigs will be green and pliable. Trees with these caterpillars are not dying and will usually re-leaf the following spring. For more information, and how to monitor and manage oakworm see the University of California Cooperative Extension pamphlet: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PDF/PESTNOTES/pncaliforniaoakworm.pdf