UF/IFAS Vegetable Arthropod Pest Photographs CD-ROM III

Imported Cabbageworm, Pieris rapae
(Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

The imported cabbageworm occurs in temperate regions throughout the world and is commonly found in the Gulf Coast states. The life cycle generally takes three to six weeks depending on weather. The egg is pale white and eventually turns yellow. The larva is green and velvety in appearance. Larvae have a yellow line running down the center of the back. A broken yellow line or a series of yellow spots occurs on each side. The pupa varies in color from yellow to green and speckled brown. The adult has white forewings with black spots (females have two spots on each forewing and males have one) and black at the tips of the wings. The hindwing also has a black spot. The adult is very active during the daylight hours.

Vegetable crops that are commonly attacked include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard, horseradish, kale, and kohlrabi. Damage is due to the feeding of the larvae. Populations are managed using insecticides based on samples that are taken in the field. Cultural control practices include row covers, paper caps, and host plant resistance. Biological control agents occur naturally in the field and help to keep populations at low levels.

Images

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Imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, larva.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, larvae with damage to
cabbage.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)
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Imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, adult butterfly.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)
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Imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae, pupa (chrysalis).
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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