Whats eating my sage?

[yoanbob]

my lovley sage plants look like lace, cant see any caterpillars, very worried, think they are past the point of survival, any ideas?

[JimineyC]

You might not be able to see the caterpillars but they might still be there. I've had a couple of rocket plants stripped and I couldn't see what was doing it but the caterpillars were completely camouflaged - the exact colour. They were Bird food in quick time.

[yoanbob]

will check again thanks jiminey, nice pic by the way.

[Earthbabe]

It probably is caterpillars yoanbob. I have been fortunate this year but in previous years my sage has gone the same way as my mint, lemon balm and marjoram. Usually with mine it is tortix moth caterpillar and little webby bits. Check for frass (caterpillar poo!) That would be a dead giveaway.

You may get a small second flush if you cut back but it depends on what your autumn/winter weather is like. They should pick up again next year though.

[yoanbob]

thats reasuring earth babe, found somthing that could be poo, still no caterpillars tho, will spray i think (normally very against this) and cut back and cross fingers.
its very wet up 'eer in yorkshire.
its in quite a sheltered spoy buy the back door so might be ok.
thanks