Imported Cabbageworm – Cabbage White – Pieris rapae

Imported Cabbageworm– Pieris rapae Common Name: Imported Cabbageworm Latin Name: Pieris rapae Appearance: The Imported Cabbageworm is a small, white butterfly with black wingtips and a wingspan of 1.2 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm). The caterpillars of the Imported Cabbageworm are green with a velvety texture, and they have a yellow stripe down their backs and two rows of faint yellow spots along their sides. Egg: The eggs of Imported Cabbage worms are small and yellow and are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Pupa: The pupae of Imported cabbage worms are pale green and are found on the undersides of leaves or in the soil. Larva: The larvae of Imported Cabbage worms are green with a velvety texture, and they have a yellow stripe down their backs and two rows of faint yellow spots along their sides. They feed on the leaves of host plants, including cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. Adults: The adult Imported Cabbageworm is a small, white butterfly with black wingtips and a wingspan of 1.2 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm). Host plant: The Imported Cabbageworm caterpillars feed on the leaves of host plants, including cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. Territory: The Imported Cabbageworm is found throughout North America. Damages caused by Imported Cabbageworm: The Imported Cabbageworm can cause significant damage to host plants, as the caterpillars feed on the leaves and can defoliate entire plants if left unchecked. Life history and Habits: The Imported Cabbageworm is a common pest of cruciferous vegetables, and the females lay their eggs on the undersides of the leaves of host plants. The larvae emerge and begin feeding on the leaves, overgrowing and molting several times before pupating in a cocoon on the undersides of leaves or in the soil. The adult butterflies emerge and mate, and the females lay eggs on new host plants, completing one to three generations per year, depending on the climate. The Imported Cabbageworm can be controlled with insecticides, biological controls, or row covers to exclude the butterflies from the plants.