What Are Tiny Green Eggs on My Tree?

Insects that lay green eggs in trees are limited. Those that do are either a beneficial insect or belong to the moth or butterfly family. Tree damage occurs only during the larvae and caterpillar stage of development. The presence of green eggs, as in the case of the green lacewing, can be an indication of another problem, such as an infestation of aphids.

Eggs of the green lacewing can be found on the tips of plants. They are pale green and oblong in shape. While in the larval stage, they eat aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs and other insect eggs. Adult green lacewings have four wings that are covered with many veins that look like lace. They have a 1-inch long soft body that is pale green with long shiny eyes. As adults they are generally predators.

Adults of the tiger swallowtail are yellow with black bands on the front wings. The wings are also trimmed with a black line and yellow spots. Eggs start out green but turn greenish-yellow over time. The female lays one egg at a time on the upper surface of the leaves of tulip trees, black cherry and sweet bay.

The eggs of the luna moth are pale green. Once the eggs have hatched, the caterpillars feed on sweet gum, walnut, persimmon and hickory. But they can also be found on willow, sassafras, plum, oak and beech. The adult is prized by many beginning insect collectors and can be identified by a 4- to 5-inch, swallow-tailed shaped body that is pale green. Both the front and hind wings have a clear window spot.