UK Commercial Caterpillar Species
Overview
"Caterpillar" is a general term used for the larval stage of moths and butterflies (order Lepidoptera). In commercial horticulture, however, several different caterpillar species are responsible for crop damage, each with its own biology, preferred host plants and seasonal activity.
Understanding which species is present helps growers predict crop risk, improve monitoring and choose the most appropriate integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.
Although many species produce similar chewing damage, some specialise on brassicas, while others attack tomatoes, peppers, ornamentals or soft fruit.
Why Species Identification Matters
Different species may vary in:
- preferred host plants
- egg laying behaviour
- feeding location
- seasonal activity
- migration patterns
- number of generations
- suitability for biological control
Correct identification improves both monitoring and management decisions.
Major UK Commercial Species
Silver Y (Autographa gamma)
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One of the most important migratory caterpillar pests in UK protected horticulture.
Common hosts include:
- tomatoes
- peppers
- cucumbers
- lettuce
- herbs
- ornamentals
- strawberries
Large seasonal migrations can rapidly increase pest pressure.
➡ Species page: (coming soon)
Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella)
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A major pest of brassica crops.
Common hosts include:
- cabbage
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- kale
- Brussels sprouts
Larvae feed primarily on foliage and may rapidly damage young plants.
➡ Species page: (coming soon)
Large White Caterpillar (Pieris brassicae)
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One of the best-known caterpillars affecting brassicas.
Hosts include:
- cabbage
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- kale
Large colonies can rapidly strip foliage.
➡ Species page: Large White Caterpillar
Small White Caterpillar (Pieris rapae)
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Closely related to the Large White but generally smaller and more solitary.
Hosts are mainly brassicas.
➡ Species page: (coming soon)
Tomato Moth (Lacanobia oleracea)
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An important protected-crop pest.
Hosts include:
- tomato
- pepper
- aubergine
Larvae feed on both foliage and fruit.
➡ Species page: (coming soon)
Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum)
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Better known for its cutworm larvae.
Young plants may be cut at soil level overnight.
Hosts include numerous vegetables and ornamentals.
➡ Species page: (coming soon)
Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
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An occasional but potentially serious protected-crop pest.
Hosts include:
- peppers
- tomatoes
- ornamentals
- leafy vegetables
Cotton Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)
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An occasional migrant species.
Can attack:
- tomatoes
- peppers
- sweetcorn
- ornamentals
Outbreaks usually follow warm summers and migration events.
Carnation Tortrix (Cacoecimorpha pronubana)
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A significant ornamental and nursery pest.
Feeds within rolled leaves protected by silk.
Hosts include many ornamental species.
Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana)
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A highly polyphagous tortrix species attacking fruit and ornamental crops.
Although less common than some native pests, it remains important in certain production systems.
Monitoring
Although species differ, most monitoring programmes involve:
- crop inspections
- leaf underside checks
- egg detection
- frass monitoring
- crop-edge inspections
- monitoring adult moth activity
Young larvae are consistently easier to manage than mature caterpillars.
Related BioWiki Pages
- Caterpillars
- Caterpillar Identification Guide
- Caterpillar Environment & Risk Factors
- Caterpillar Host Plants
- Caterpillar Life Cycle
- Caterpillar Damage Symptoms
Related Plant Database
Commonly affected crops include:
Key Message
"Caterpillar" describes many different species rather than a single pest.
Correct species identification improves monitoring, biological control and long-term integrated pest management by matching control strategies to the biology of the pest.