Field Identification
A crambid caterpillar that feeds on brassica leaves and buds, named for bold black cross-stripes on a gray-green body—easy to separate from imported cabbageworm and diamondback larvae with a glance.
Young larvae mine; older stages chew large holes and may web frass. Adult is a yellowish moth with brown markings. Two or more generations where summers are long.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Bt kurstaki on small caterpillars; spinosad if populations spike—cover inner leaves thoroughly.
Generalist parasitoids and predators in diverse systems; avoid wiping border vegetation unnecessarily.
Crop rotation among families; destroy brassica stumps after harvest; manage wild mustard reservoirs.
Row covers; night collection on smaller plots.
Scout seedlings for mines and window feeding; watch first heads for hidden larvae.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Ichneumonid wasps
- Braconid wasps
- Predatory beetles
Threat Map