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Cabbage white butterflies

Agronomist, Allan Edis (Landmark), has reported cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae) in canola near Temora, in the South West Slopes district of New South Wales. Allan says moderate numbers of moths have been observed flying around canola crops over the last few weeks. Cabbage white butterflies have also recently been reported from crops around Griffith, in the Riverina district of New South Wales.

Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars are up to 30 mm in length and velvety green in colour with a faint yellow stripe running along the back and each side of the body. Adult butterflies have creamy white wings with one or two black spots, and a wingspan of approximately 40 mm.

Cabbage white butterflies are predominantly found in spring. They feed on canola and other brassica crops by chewing large irregular holes in the leaves. Chemical control at this time of year is unlikely to be warranted. Even when in large numbers, cabbage white butterflies will generally not affect crop yield. If spraying is required, cabbage white butterflies can be easily controlled with a range of insecticides, including those commonly used to control diamond back moth.

Click here for images of cabbage white butterflies.

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