White fuzzy caterpillar on my cabbage

Discussion in 'Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds' started by carolyn, Jul 17, 2011.

  1. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    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?

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    ( photo / image / picture from carolyn keiper's Garden )





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    ( photo / image / picture from carolyn keiper's Garden )





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    ( photo / image / picture from carolyn keiper's Garden )
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I'm not 100% sure but it could be one of the Tussock Moth caterpillars Carolyn.
     
  4. kee5556

    kee5556 New Seed

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    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]
     
  5. waretrop

    waretrop Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Google Tiger Moth Caterpillar.
     



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  6. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    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 ;)
     
  7. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    Toni, very possible to be the answer. I think the moth does look familiar, too. Thanks all who contributed.
     

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