Imported Cabbageworm

Larvae of the Imported Cabbageworm prefer to feed on cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, turnips, radishes, kale, lettuce and weeds of the mustard family. They chew irregular holes in the leaves and usually eat their way into cabbage heads from the bottom.

The white butterfly stage of the Imported Cabbageworm is the first sign of this pest. Butterflies are first seen in early spring since they overwinter as pupae. The eggs of the butterfly hatch into velvety green caterpillars which grow to 1 1/2 inch long. They have a thin yellowish-orange stripe down the middle of the back. Fully grown larvae form naked greenish-brown pupae which can often be found hanging from the bottoms of leaves or other protected areas. Ten days later, the second generation of butterflies emerges, continuing this cycle. Adults have been spotted anytime during the summer.

Photo courtesy of Clemson University Department of Entomology, Soils & Plant Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service.

For control products and more information please see our Caterpillars and Moths Control page.