I have had the oleander catepillars on my Adeniums. Adeniums are closely related to Oleanders so the catepillars find them tasty. Any garden Insecticide should work on them. I would not wait too long because they can strip the leaves from a plant in no time. Make sure to spray under the leaves also.

You are right! The caterpillars were all over the undersides of the leaves. I used Safer insecticidal. Will I need to repeat in a few days?

You sure will, more eggs could hatch out, those caterpillars will turn into butterfly's I use a Rose food with a pesticide included It goes into the soil, and I don't need to breath in anything. I would perfer natural however. Norma

They hide underneath the leaves. It would be only necessary to spray again if you see any more in a couple of days. If you or your neighbors have any oleander bushes, it would be a good idea to check them too.

The best way to handle this is to catch it early. If you notice any leaf drop or yellowing leaves, it is a good idea to check the undersides of the leaves for catepillars.

Other than an occasional infestation of oleander catepillars, I have never had any other problems with pests on my adeniums.

BEWARE of those caterpillars! Their sting is painful!!!! They attack all my adeniums like 3-5 times a year and strip them bald...like right now. I found my biggest tree is now covered in them. I never see them till they are about an inch long...and most of the leaves are damaged or gone. Once the leaves are gone, they dissapear. I have never seen a crysalis with any of the darn butterflies in them...I dont know where they go..I'm just glad they go. I flick them off and smash them one by one! Squish!!!! Not to effective,but gets rid of that rage against them to see them die!! :)

Hi-
You can control the caterpillars with Spinosad. It is an organic herbicide that targets caterpillars and other sucking insects. There is some residual action for a week or two (I'm not sure how much). The residual action is what makes it superior to BT for caterpillars. Don't apply it in the full sun or in hot weather. I don't know if it is labeled for use on Adenium but you can check.

Nobody ever answered whether they turn into butterflies or moths. When I find caterpillars I don't want, I just flick them to the ground and let the lizards eat them. It is much fun watching the little lizards eat a nice juicy caterpillar. I don't know if they eat the orange ones, though.

They turn into polka dot moths.

Here is a link that might be useful: Polka Dot Moth

Lol