Pest

Caterpillars

Lepidoptera larvae (hornworms, loopers, cabbageworms, armyworms, fruitworms)

The larvae of moths and butterflies. Damage builds fast once they are past the smallest stages, and some bore into fruit or heads where sprays do not reach.

Signs

• Holes from the leaf edge or middle, and green to black pellets of droppings.
• Larvae on the undersides and along midribs, often matching the leaf color.
• Holes bored into fruit or heads with frass at the opening.

What favors it

Moth flights in summer, and crops left uncovered when egg-laying begins.

Prevention

• Row cover over brassicas prevents cabbageworm egg-laying.
• Check plants for eggs and larvae at least twice a week in summer.
• Till under crop debris after harvest to destroy pupae.

Often confused with

Sources

• Tomato hornworms in home gardensUniversity of Minnesota Extension
• Imported Cabbageworm on VegetablesUniversity of Maryland Extension

Why →