Cabbage Looper

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Common names:  cabbage looper

Scientific name:  Trichoplusia ni

Region:  this Caterpillar can be found in the United States and Canada.

Life cycle:  This insect produces several generations each year.  Winter is spent as a pupa attached to a leaf.  The adult emerges from the pupa in spring as a brown moth.  Although, in northern regions adults may south for the winter.

Physical Description: This 1 1/2 inch long caterpillar is green with pale stripes down the back and is identified by the characteristic way he humps along like a measuring worm.  The adult is a brownish moth with a silvery spot in the middle of each forewing and flies at night with a wingspan of 1 1/2 inches.  The isolated round eggs are a greenish white and are laid on the upper surface of the host plant leaves.

Feeding characteristics: This pest will attack bean, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, kale, lettuce, parsley, pea, potato, radish, spinach, and tomato plants, by chewing the leaves.

Controls: The Trichogramma Wasp is a natural predator that can help control this caterpillar.  For serious infestations, use Bacillus thuringiensis or dust with sabadilla.