Lepidoptera

Plutella xylostella, Pieris rapae

What are Cabbage Moths/Butterflies?

There are many types of caterpillars which are usually the larval (caterpillar of a grub) stage of moths such as cabbage moth (Plutella xylostella) and small cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae). 

Cabbage white butterfly is white with distinct black spots on the wings and is around 40mm across. The cabbage moth is greyish and small and is around 10mm across. 

The moths and butterflies lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. The larvae of caterpillars hatch from the eggs and then feed on the leaves or fruit, so it’s the caterpillar of the cabbage white butterfly or cabbage moth which does the damage. 

The blue-green smooth textured caterpillar is that of the cabbage white butterfly, while the caterpillar which is green-brown is that of the cabbage moth. They both start eating the outer leaves before moving to the inner heart of the cabbage. 

It is a good idea to try and either pick off the caterpillars or spray them when they are still on the outside of the leaf, before they tunnel into the heart. Plants favoured by cabbage moth and cabbage white butterfly include cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Chinese cabbage, celery, beetroot, rocket and watercress. 

 

Symptoms

Large holes in outer leaves. Bluey-green frass on the inside of the leaf or in the heart of the cabbage, which is actually their droppings.

 

Plants impacted

  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Celery
  • Beetroot
  • Rocket
  • Watercress

Recommended products

Yates Nature's Way Derris Dust

Controls most chewing and sucking insect pests, including caterpillars. It is particularly effective against white butterfly caterpillars.

More articles

Caterpillars

Here's how to recognise and control caterpillars in your garden.

Codling Moth

Codling moth can damage the fruit of apple, pears and other pome fruits. Here's how to identify codling moth and control them in your garden.

Tomato Fruit Worm

If you have holes in your tomatoes, the culprit is likely to be the tomato fruit worm. Here's how to identify and control the tomato fruit worm in your garden.

Corn Earworm

If the kernels of your corn are being eaten while still on the stalk, it sounds like you a case of corn ear worm. Here's how to identify and treat them in your garden.