Cabbage Looper

Common: Cabbage Looper

Scientific: Trichoplusia ni

Crop Hosts: All plants in the cole crop (Brassica) family as well as most other vegetables.

Identification and Life Cycle: It overwinters as a greenish or brownish pupa nearly 3/4-inch long and wrapped in a delicate cocoon attached to the leaf. A small nocturnal adult moth, with mottled, brownish front wings and pale brown hind wings. The females lay 275 to 350 eggs singly on the upper surface of the leaves. The larvae have a distinctive humped appearance since the median half of the body is without legs. After 2 to 4 weeks of feeding the full grown larvae spins a cocoon and an adult appears again within 2 weeks. There can be 4 or 9 generations a year.

Geographical Distribution: Throughout the United States.

Damage and Treatment: The first-formed outer leaves can be riddled with large holes. If the leaves are parted, masses of greenish to brown pellets are found caught in the angles of the leaves. Heads of cabbage are stunted or do not form at all.

Treatment should be made when insect populations and/or damage levels reach economic thresholds. Refer to local University Extension Pest Management Guidelines for specific state thresholds.