Question of the Week – Cabbage Webworm

This week, the question was: There are diamondback moth caterpillars on the right. What is the caterpillar on the left?

This is a cabbage webworm. Cabbage webworms feed near the growing points of brassica plants , often damaging the growing points and causing irregular growth. They frequently feed within webs that protect them from natural enemies and offer some protection from pesticide applications. When mature, cabbage webworm pupate in the soil and then emerge as a non-descript brown and gray mottled moth. Read more about cabbage webworms here.

This week’s question is from Midlands Extension Agent Justin Ballew.