Imported Cabbageworm

insect

Pieris rapae

Velvety green caterpillar, larva of the common white butterfly seen hovering over gardens.

Identification

1 inch green caterpillar with a faint yellow dorsal stripe. Adult is a white butterfly with 1-2 black wing spots.

Large irregular holes in brassica leaves. Green frass. Inner leaves of heading crops fouled.

Bt spray. Row covers. Hand-pick. Yellow sticky traps for adults. Companion plant with sage and rosemary.

Spinosad. Permethrin.

Floating row covers (most effective). Interplant with strong-scented herbs. Remove crop debris in fall.

Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm