Trichoplusia ni
Green caterpillars that 'loop' when crawling. Feed on brassicas and many other vegetables, creating large irregular holes in leaves.
Pale green caterpillars up to 1.5 inches with white stripes along sides. Move in looping motion (inchworm-like). Adults are brown moths with silver figure-8 mark on wings.
Large irregular holes in leaves. Tunneling into cabbage heads. Green frass on leaves. Defoliation in severe cases.
3-4 generations per year. Adults are nocturnal, lay eggs singly on leaf undersides. Larvae feed for 2-4 weeks, pupate in cocoons on plants.
Floating row covers. Remove crop debris. Interplant with aromatic herbs. Attract beneficial insects with flowering plants.