Cabbage Worm
Pieris rapae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameCabbage Worm
DescriptionCabbage worms are green caterpillars that devour cabbage and broccoli leaves. Identify these pests and protect your vegetable garden with our expert tips.
TypeInsect
FamilyPieridae
GenusTrichoplusia
TribeArgyrogrammatini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
SubfamilyPierinae
Features
- Named 'cabbage worm' because they primarily attack cabbage and related plants. The adult is a white butterfly commonly seen flying around vegetable gardens
- Velvety green caterpillars with faint yellow stripes running down the back and sides. Blend in well with cabbage leaves making them hard to spot
- Feed on leaves of cabbage family plants by chewing large irregular holes. Burrow into the center of cabbage heads, contaminating them with droppings
- Create large ragged holes in leaves and heads. Leave dark green droppings on leaves. Heavy infestations can completely destroy young plants
- Adults lay single yellow eggs on leaf undersides. Caterpillars feed for 2-3 weeks before pupating. Multiple generations per year in warm climates
- Caterpillars grow up to 3 cm (1.25 inches) long. Start small and green, becoming more visible as they grow
- Most active in spring and fall. Prefer cool weather. Adults are attracted to white and yellow flowers
- Attack all cabbage family plants including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, radish, turnips, and mustard greens
- Prevent by using row covers, inspecting plants regularly, removing eggs from leaf undersides, and planting trap crops. Companion plant with aromatic herbs
- Natural predators include parasitic wasps, birds, and spiders. Handpick caterpillars. Treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), spinosad, neem oil, or insecticidal soap
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPieris rapae
English (Alternate)Cabbage Looper, Diamondback Moth Larva, Cross-Striped Cabbageworm, Cabbage Webworm
Hindiಪತ್ತಾ ಗೋಭಿ(Patta Gobhi), ಕೀಡಾ (Keeda)
Tamilಪಚ್ಚೈ ಪುಳು (Pachai Puzhu), ಕಂಬಳಿಪ್ಪುಳು (Kambalipuzhu), ವೈರ ಮುಳಂಗಾಲ್ ಅಂತಿ (Diamond muthuku anthu)
Teluguಕೋಸು ಪುರುಗು (Kōsu purugu), ಪೊಗಾಕು ಪುರುಗು (Pogaaku Purugu), ಆಕುಮಾಕು ಪುರುಗು (Aakumaaku Purugu)
Malayalamಕಾಬೇಜ್ ಶಲಭಂ (Kābej śalabhaṁ), ಚಿತ್ರಶಲಭಂ (Chitrayaśalabhaṁ)
Kannadaಹರಳೆ ಹುಳು (harale hulu)
Sanskritಪರ್ಣಕೀಟ (parṇakīṭa)
Bengaliಸಾದಾ ಮಾಚಿ (Sada Machi), ಫ್ಲಾಟ್ವರ್ಮ್ (Flatworm),
Frenchchenille, arpenteuse du chou
Russianಕಪುಸ್ಟ್ನಾಯ ಸೊವ್ಕಾ (Kapustnaya sovka)
Spanishgusano de la col, oruga de la col
GermanKohlweißling
