Southern Cabbageworm
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Southern cabbageworm (Pontia protodice) tends to be more of a late-season pest in Kentucky. The head of the larva is gray with yellow patches and the body is gray with yellow stripes. Numerous black spots and numerous short hairs adorn the body. The larvae reach 1 1⁄4 inches in length. The adult is the checkered white butterfly.
Southern cabbageworm caterpillar
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Southern cabbageworm adult moth
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- The caterpillar is closely related to the imported cabbageworm and can be managed in the same manner. However, eggs are laid in groups so infestations may be clustered in the field.
