As they grow, they move toward the center of the plant. They generally feed on areas between leaf veins. When scouting, examine the undersides of the lower leaves for newly hatched larvae. Pull back loose wrapper leaves and examine around the base of the head for larger larvae. Because larger loopers are more difficult to control, it is important to time applications for younger larvae.
Pheromone traps are available to detect adult cabbage looper presence and initiate field sampling.
Diamondback Moth Diamondback moth larvae, despite their small size, can be very destructive to cole crops. Eggs are laid singly or in small groups on the undersides of lower leaves. Larvae are small, yellowish-green, spindle shaped, and have a forked tail. The pupae are found in a gauze-like cocoon attached to leaves or stems of the cabbage plant. The moth has a small, slender, grayish-brown body with folded wings.