These velvety green caterpillars with a thin yellow stripe down their back feed on the leaves of cole crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, mustard and lettuce. They produce large ragged holes in the leaves and leave behind dark green droppings. The imported cabbageworms emerged from tiny yellow eggs that were laid on the undersides of leaves by moths in early spring. The larvae feed for about 15 days and then pupate for 10 days to emerge as adults to complete the life cycle.
Adult moths pupate in the soil during the winter months.
Expect five to six generations per year in South Carolina. Handpick the caterpillars and discard them. Tiny parasitic wasps and predatory insects provide common natural controls. Other insecticides are available.