Garden pest control - Small Cabbage White Caterpillar (Description and control instructions)

Scientific Names : Pieris rapae syn. Artogeia rapae

The Small Cabbage White Butterfly larva is probably the most destructive of all of the caterpillars, devouring cabbages and other cruciferous crops all over the world. It is distinguished from the Large White by its smaller and less pronounced black markings. The adult male has one spot on the wing and the female has two - both have a pale yellow underside to the wings.

After mating the female lays eggs, usually singly and close to the edges, on the leaves of cruciferous plants. They can be on the lower and upper surfaces on the leaves. The light green larva which hatches out usually occurs on its own, whereas the mottled larvae of the Large White are found in clusters initially.

The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) with bright yellow wings, has a similar coloured larval stage.

As with any destructive caterpillar, crush them or spray with insecticide if the infestation is widespread. See the monograph on the Large White Caterpillar for other methods of control.