Cabbage White Caterpillars
Chewing larvae of cabbage white butterflies causing holes and skeletonised brassica leaves.
Cabbage white caterpillars (Pieris brassicae and P. rapae) attack brassicas in field and protected production. Larvae chew large holes and can rapidly skeletonise leaves, contaminating crops with frass. Biological control includes Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products, entomopathogenic nematodes and egg parasitoids such as Trichogramma brassicae, combined with netting and removal of heavily infested plants.
Biological Controls for Cabbage White Caterpillars
The species below are examples of beneficial organisms commonly used against cabbage white caterpillars. Recommendations are based on published biological control information and practical IPM experience. Always confirm suitability for your crop, growing system and local conditions before use.
Information shown for reference only.
Trichogramma spp.
Environment: outdoor
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 30.0°C
Rate: Not applicable (UK)
Frequency: Not applicable (UK)
Part of an integrated brassica IPM programme — always follow UK label guidance.
Orius laevigatus
Environment: all
Temperature Range: 18.0 – 35.0°C
Rate: 0.5–2/m²
Frequency: support only; establish early if present
Support-only: primarily a thrips predator; may contribute to egg or very early-stage predation but not a primary caterpillar control.
Further BioWiki Reading
For more background on pest biology, beneficial insects and environmental factors, use the BioWiki alongside this practical control guide.
Related Biological Solutions
Growers dealing with cabbage white caterpillars often also monitor these pests as part of a complete IPM programme: