UCONN IPM: Integrated Pest Management:Vegetables:Insects:Identification of Cole Crop Pests

Identification of Cole Crop Pests

Pest Name
Moth
Caterpillar

Imported
Cabbage
Worm cabbage worm moth
The imported cabbageworm (ICW) adult is the familiar white butterfly often seen fluttering around cole crops and weeds during the spring and summer. The ICW survives New England winters as a chrysalis and is usually the most common and the first of the three species you may encounter each season.
cabbage worm pupae
ICW larvae are slow-moving, velvety-green and eventually grow to a length of 1 1/4 inches. Larger ICW caterpillars have a thin, yellow line that runs lengthwise down the center of their backs.

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Cabbage
Looper
The cabbage looper (CL) are smaller, with dull coloration, and are less likely to be seen, as they primarily fly at night. CL moths arrive from the southern wintering sites on storm fronts, have up to three generations, and usually, do not become numerous enough to exceed action thresholds in New England before mid- to late summer.

Cabbage Looper Crop Damage

CL larvae are smooth, light-green caterpillars, with two white lines running the length of their backs and one narrower, white line on each side. They have no legs in the middle portion of their body and move with a distinctive inch-worm-like motion, arching the middle of their bodies upward before moving forward. CL larvae grow up to 1 1/2 inches in length. photo:entweb.clemson.edu

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Diamond-
back
Moth
The diamondback moths (DBM) are smaller, with dull coloration, and are less likely to be seen, as they primarily fly at night. The DBM survives the winter as an adult moth under the residue of previous crops and has four to six generations each year. diamondback moth larvae DBM larvae only grow to 1/3 of an inch in length. Smaller DBM caterpillars have brown heads, which lighten as the larva matures, and eventually match the light-green body color. The body shape appears pointed on both ends. DBM larvae can be distinguished from other caterpillar pests by their habit of wiggling frantically when touched or prodded.

Return to article: Cole Crop "Worms" (Caterpillar Pests)

photos from umn.edu unless otherwise identified

This information was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.

Identification of Cole Crop Pests
Pest Name	Moth	Caterpillar
Imported Cabbage Worm	The imported cabbageworm (ICW) adult is the familiar white butterfly often seen fluttering around cole crops and weeds during the spring and summer. The ICW survives New England winters as a chrysalis and is usually the most common and the first of the three species you may encounter each season.	ICW larvae are slow-moving, velvety-green and eventually grow to a length of 1 1/4 inches. Larger ICW caterpillars have a thin, yellow line that runs lengthwise down the center of their backs.

Return to article: Cole Crop "Worms" (Caterpillar Pests)
Cabbage Looper	The cabbage looper (CL) are smaller, with dull coloration, and are less likely to be seen, as they primarily fly at night. CL moths arrive from the southern wintering sites on storm fronts, have up to three generations, and usually, do not become numerous enough to exceed action thresholds in New England before mid- to late summer. Cabbage Looper Crop Damage	CL larvae are smooth, light-green caterpillars, with two white lines running the length of their backs and one narrower, white line on each side. They have no legs in the middle portion of their body and move with a distinctive inch-worm-like motion, arching the middle of their bodies upward before moving forward. CL larvae grow up to 1 1/2 inches in length. photo:entweb.clemson.edu

Return to article: Cole Crop "Worms" (Caterpillar Pests)
Diamond- back Moth	The diamondback moths (DBM) are smaller, with dull coloration, and are less likely to be seen, as they primarily fly at night. The DBM survives the winter as an adult moth under the residue of previous crops and has four to six generations each year.	DBM larvae only grow to 1/3 of an inch in length. Smaller DBM caterpillars have brown heads, which lighten as the larva matures, and eventually match the light-green body color. The body shape appears pointed on both ends. DBM larvae can be distinguished from other caterpillar pests by their habit of wiggling frantically when touched or prodded.

Return to article: Cole Crop "Worms" (Caterpillar Pests)
photos from umn.edu unless otherwise identified