Imported cabbageworm

Whites and sulphurs

Imported cabbageworm caterpillars (Pieris rapae) are present from early spring to summer. They produce multiple generations per year.

The body of a full-grown caterpillar is a little over one inch long and uniformly green with a velvetlike texture. On the top of the body in the center and running lengthwise is a thin yellow line. A narrow, broken line of yellow spots or dashes may also be found on the sides. Primary hosts are cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale.

About the family

Caterpillars from the Pieridae family are usually green and slender and lack tubercles or other projections. The body is often covered with short, fine hairs, giving it a velvety appearance. Some adult species are known to travel great distances in mass migrations.