UF/IFAS Vegetable Arthropod Pest Photographs CD-ROM III

Cabbage Webworm, Hellula rogatalis
(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The cabbage webworm is considered to be an American insect and is found in the southern states from Virginia to California. Natural enemies of the cabbage webworm have not been identified. The life cycle generally takes about 30 days and the cabbage webworm is capable of reproducing throughout the year. Eggs are gray or yellowish-green and later turn pink as they age. Eggs are flat with a distinct nipple at one end. Larvae are yellowish-gray with five brownish-purple bands running down the insect. The head is black and the body is covered with long yellow or brown hairs. Pupation occurs in the soil and the pupa is yellowish-brown. The adult has yellowish-brown forewings that have white bands and a dark kidney-shaped spot. Hind wings are grayish in color.

Vegetable crops that are commonly infested by the cabbage webworm include broccoli, cabbage, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, and turnip. Weed hosts include shepherdspurse and purslane. Larvae mine the leaves and eventually produce webbing, resulting in rolled foliage. The growing point may be destroyed in some plants. Insecticidal control is difficult because of the cryptic feeding behavior of the larvae. Insecticides are often applied at least once per week. Plants chosen should be early maturing varieties in order to avoid heavy infestations that occur late in the season.

Images

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Cabbage webworm, Hellula rogatalis, adult.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)
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Cabbage webworm, Hellula rogatalis, larva.
(Photographer: P. Choate, University of Florida)
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