The following is excerpted from Kansas State University Research and Extension 03/28/2003.

Emphasis by B&J Garden Solutions

Problem: Imported Cabbage Worm - Pieris rapae

Hosts: Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower

Description: This is the worm often seen with the cabbage looper on crucifers. The larva is a velvety green caterpillar that feeds on the leaves when the larva is young. This insect crawls flat rather than using a "looping" motion as the cabbage looper does. As the larva matures, it may start feeding on cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower heads. Mature larvae are about 1 1/4 inches long. Larvae take about 10 days to two weeks to mature and attach themselves to the leaves of the host plants with a silken thread when they are ready to pupate. The chrysalis is a light green color. The adult of this insect is a white butterfly with black spots on the wings and can be seen in the garden from spring to fall. Eggs are laid singly on the underside of the leaves and are a yellow to cream color. They are spherical in shape rather than the missile shape found with cabbage looper eggs.

Recommendations: Crushing eggs on the underside of the leaves or hand picking can reduce populations of feeding larvae. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and various other insecticides can be used for control.

Does daily handpicking of little green worms sound like fun to you?
Use the Moth-Blocker™ for 100% complete organic control!