Natalie's 'Eggsperiment'
"We can only enjoy the butterflies if we allow some caterpillars." - Natalie
NatsGard3n
An eggsperiment - I want to see what happens when I leave some on my cauliflower. These little guys are growing fast and are hungry. I removed quite a number of eggs and only left some on one leaf of one plant. We can only enjoy the butterflies if we allow some caterpillars 🦋🐛
NatsGard3n
Eggsperiment update - one week since I photographed the little yellow eggs and the wormies are munching away! #wildlifeza #plantsmakespeoplehappy #gardengratitude
NatsGard3n
Eggsperiment update - today is 10 days since little yellow eggs were laid. They are still chomping away at the leaf on which they were laid. Keen to see what happens next. #wildlifeza #gardengratitude #plantsmakespeoplehappy
NatsGard3n
Eggsperiment update - day 12 and the little worms are between 9 to 10 mm long. Fine hairs are noticeable on their bodies. They still have a healthy appetite with their leaf looking more devoured this morning. #wildlifeza #gardengratitude #plantsmakespeoplehappy
NatsGard3n
Eggsperiment update - shortly after posting the photos yesterday the little caterpillars began migrating to other leaves on the plant. There are now three groups on three leaves. The worms are just over 1cm in length. I think this plant is being donated to the wormies and I'm glad it is in its own pot, away from my other cauliflowers 🌱
NatsGard3n
Eggsperiment update - day 15 - the caterpillars (about 130 of them!) are all in their new finery this morning after shedding their skins last night. They measure roughly 15mm. #plantsmakespeoplehappy #gardenbliss #wildlifeza
NatsGard3n
Lucky to snap a few pics of the cabbage white butterfly on the bush violet #plantsmakespeoplehappy #gardengratitude #gardenbliss #wildlifeza #butterflies
How do I get rid of them?
Read more about the Cabbage white and Large cabbage white butterflies, check out the insect profiles below:
Affected crops
Black Mustard
Brassica nigra
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica (Italica Group)
Brussel Sprouts
Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group) 'Long Island'
Japanese Mustard Spinach
Brassica rapa
Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera
Brassica rapa ssp. oleifera
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group) 'Cabbages'
Cauliflowers
Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) 'Cauliflowers'
Canola
Brassica napus var. napus
Cavolo Nero
Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) 'Bumpy-Leaf Kale'
Kales
Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) 'Kales'
Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
Swede
Brassica napus ssp. rapifera