cabbage moth
Crucifer-eating white butterfly
A cabbage moth is a small grayish-brown moth whose caterpillars feed voraciously on cabbage, broccoli, kale, and other plants in the mustard family.
The larvae, often called imported cabbageworms, are bright green and blend in with the leaves they consume, making them difficult to spot until significant damage is done.
Gardeners consider cabbage moths among the most persistent pests of brassica crops.
The cabbage moths have been all over my garden this year.
Butterfly and moth order
- nocturnalActive during darkness
- wingspanTip-to-tip extent
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
white butterfly · flight · mottled · camouflage · host plant · brassica · crucifer · species
Immature feeding stage
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
eggs · instar · molting · adult · emergence · oviposition · generation · overwintering
Openings through material
- defoliationLoss of foliage
- skeletonizingReducing to structural remains
- frassArthropod excrement and debris
- wiltingLosing turgor and drooping
chewing · stunting · tunneling · contamination · secondary infection
Pest takeover situation
- controlAuthority to direct
- eradicationTotal elimination of something
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- pesticideAgent destroying harmful organisms
netting · row covers · trap · bait · deterrent · repellent · outbreak · damage
Mustard family vegetables
- kaleLoose-leafed cabbage relative
- broccoliCruciferous vegetable with florets
- cauliflowerCompact white vegetable head
- Brussels sproutsMiniature cabbage-like vegetables
crop rotation · companion planting · intercropping · organic farming · market garden · greenhouse · harvest · cultivation
lepidoptera
Butterfly and moth order
scales · white butterfly · flight · mottled · camouflage · host plant · brassica · crucifer · species
larva
Immature feeding stage
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
metamorphosis · eggs · instar · molting · adult · emergence · oviposition · generation · overwintering · diapause
holes
Openings through material
- defoliationLoss of foliage
- skeletonizingReducing to structural remains
- frassArthropod excrement and debris
wilting · chewing · stunting · tunneling · contamination · secondary infection
infestation
Pest takeover situation
- controlAuthority to direct
- eradicationTotal elimination of something
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
pesticide · netting · row covers · trap · bait · deterrent · repellent · outbreak · damage · crop loss
brassicas
Mustard family vegetables
- kaleLoose-leafed cabbage relative
- broccoliCruciferous vegetable with florets
- cauliflowerCompact white vegetable head
Brussels sprouts · crop rotation · companion planting · intercropping · organic farming · market garden · greenhouse · harvest · cultivation · transplants
cabbage mothbeneficial insect
Arthropod aiding agriculture
pollinator · honeybee · bumblebee · ladybug · ladybird beetle
cabbage mothbeetle
Hard-winged insect
ground beetle · ladybug · ant · fly · grasshopper