Has anyone seen this pesty caterpillar on the cabbage? I have not seen this on my cabbage before today. They chew big holes in the leaves making a mess of the outerleaves. Usually I have the cabbage loopers, but this year we covered the cabbage patch with floating row cover and several times the wind has ripped it off, so a few times there was exposure to the pesky cabbage loopers and such, but I don't believe that the patch was ever uncovered overnight. Which is usually when the moths come out. So maybe they emerged from the soil and used the cabbage as its host plant. Any ideas? ( photo / image / picture from carolyn keiper's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from carolyn keiper's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from carolyn keiper's Garden )
I have the same problem! They are eating my banana tree and I've counted three so far. Do you know what it is and the treatment? If you do please tell me! :'([/quote]
It looks like Spilosoma virginica - Virginia Tiger Moth http://bugguide.net/node/view/4451 They eat most any kind of non-woody plant. There are many species of Tiger Moths and each one has a different looking caterpillar. Just noticed that this topic was started almost two years ago, maybe your have your answer now Carolyn
Toni, very possible to be the answer. I think the moth does look familiar, too. Thanks all who contributed.
