What’s eating my broccoli and peas?

Question: I can’t seem to figure out what’s eating the broccoli leaves and pea leaves. They’ve also eaten cucumber seedlings. Look like at the base of the stem. I thought maybe cutworm? I didn’t see any insects.

responder: Answered by University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.  For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC program web page and blog, Maryland Grows. Replied June 06, 2023, 1:46 PM EDT
response: It is not easy to tell from the pictures, but it may be multiple pests.  Caterpillars often chew holes in broccoli leaves, and they are not always easy to find, especially the green ones.  If a plant has chewed stems and leaves, that can result from a rabbit, beetle or caterpillars. This is not likely cutworm damage as the cutworms cut the stem at ground level.  Debbie

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2023, 10:31 PM EDT
response: Can it possibly be a vole? I took more pictures. I noticed additional damage from morning to afternoon so I’m sure it’s not a nocturnal visitor. Some seedlings were chewed and dug up. Others  chomped down to the stem. Most are the peas and brassicas with the chewed leaves. When I put down bird netting I saw holes in pairs through the netting.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 14, 2023, 2:40 PM EDT
response: Voles are focused on plant roots, where they tend to grab small plants like perennials or vegetables from underground and then pull the whole plant under to eat it, but we would not expect them to be present in a small container like this. We suspect more than one culprit is chewing on the foliage in this case, possibly one or more types of caterpillar, as mentioned before, or possibly an adult beetle (they often leave the plant when not actively feeding). Another possibility is that some of these insects are being eaten by predators as they mature and grow larger, so are disappearing in that way before being discovered. Squirrels might be digging in the planter soil if seedlings are being dug-up. They or rabbits might be responsible for any holes gnawed in netting as well.  It's hard to diagnose holes in plants when the culprits leave little sign of their presence aside from the damage. You can look for frass (insect poop, which will be pellets for caterpillars and some others) beneath the plant or on foliage lying under upper leaves with damage, but this can be dark and hard to see sometimes. You can also look for indications of rabbit scat. The only recourse if no insects are detected is to try a physical barrier like insect netting (this appears to be the type of netting you may already be using based on the photo) or row cover fabric (lightweight enough to let enough sun through) to keep the nibbler out. Repellent sprays not only don't work for all species but also might include ingredients not suitable for use on edible plants, though you can check product labels for any that might be labeled for this use given the produce is thoroughly rinsed-off before use.  Miri