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female moth of Cabbage Cluster Caterpillar - the female has paler markings than the male
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
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adult moth of Cabbage Cluster Caterpillar - female
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
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The markings on this moth are very indistinct, and the white spots are barely noticeable. Not sure if is a colour variation or a another Crocidolomia sp.?
Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.
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INSECT FACTS |
Identification
The adult Cabbage Cluster Caterpillar moth is pale brown with dark markings, and two small white triangular spots on each forewing. The female is similar to the male but with more subtle markings on the wings. The caterpillars are green with a yellow stripe on the back and a brown head. The brown pupa is in a loose cocoon in the loose soil at the base of the food plant.
Size
wingspan 3cm. Caterpillar length to 2cm
Food
The caterpillars are an agricultural pest on plants of the Brassicacaea family, especially cabbages. Initially they feed only on the undersides of the leaves, then attack the rest of the leaves and central shoot.
Breeding
Up to 300 greenish eggs are laid at a time. They hatch after about four days.
Range
found in Africa, Asia and much of Australia.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Lepidoptera | | Family: | Crambidae | | Genus: | Crocidolomia | | Species: | pavonana | | Common Name: | Cabbage Cluster Caterpillar |
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