Cabbage Looper (caterpillar stage)

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, gardens, and other areas where host plants are abundant. They are particularly fond of cruciferous vegetables.

Diet & Feeding

The primary diet of the cabbage looper caterpillar is the foliage of a wide variety of plants, especially cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collards. They also feed on other plants like lettuce, spinach, tomato, and cotton.

Behavior Patterns

Cabbage looper caterpillars are named for their distinctive 'looping' movement, as they have fewer prolegs in the middle of their bodies, causing them to arch their backs when they crawl. They are primarily nocturnal feeders but can be seen feeding during the day. After several instars, they pupate, usually in a loose silken cocoon attached to the underside of a leaf. The adult moth is nocturnal, grayish-brown, and lays eggs singly on the undersides of host plant leaves.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Cabbage loopers are considered a significant agricultural pest due to their voracious feeding on many economically important crops, leading to severe defoliation and reduced yields. Potential benefits: In their adult moth form, they can act as pollinators for some plants. Their larvae also serve as a food source for various birds, parasitic wasps, and predatory insects, contributing to the food web.

Identified on: 10/5/2025