This fascinating, multigenerational, Ceanothus-eating insect species has an interesting life cycle, and researchers are still learning what drives these dramatic population surges. This species often migrates topographically, moving up and down in elevation throughout its life cycle. Here in Tahoe, however, they rely on our high-elevation Ceanothus plants, including Mountain Whitethorn (Ceanothus cordulatus), Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus), and Tobacco Brush (Ceanothus velutinus). If you find yourself on trails throughout the Basin and Truckee, you’ll discover that Ceanothus plants are everywhere. Although dramatic, temporary defoliation events are a natural part of forest ecosystems and do not typically kill healthy established Ceanothus plants.