Larvae are humpbacked, soft- bodied, and brick red with rows of black spots along each side. Groups of a dozen or more orange, barrel-shaped eggs are often visible on the undersides of leaves. Each female lays approximately 500 eggs. In Alabama, there are two or three generations per year. Both adult and larvae are voracious foliage feeders.
Untreated infestations can result in complete defoliation.
Hand picking will help protect plants if done often. Otherwise, apply Sevin or Thiodan when an infestation is first detected. Repeat applications may be necessary as eggs hatch. They frequently damage turnips, kale, collards, radishes, and mustard. When cabbage plants are small, cabbageworms feed primarily on the undersides of the developing leaves.