Sometimes, on the kale and carrots in your grocery haul, you might stumble upon uninvited guests — caterpillars. But fear not, for this isn’t your average garden-variety mystery. We're diving deep into the world of cauliflower critters, starring the infamous Cabbage White Butterfly and the elusive Diamondback Moth larvae.
You see, butterflies are the headliners of the metamorphosis show, transforming from humble caterpillars after a stint in the pupa green room. The Cabbage White Butterfly follows this blockbuster script.
However, not all caterpillars snag the VIP pass to butterfly stardom. Some, like those nibbling on your bok choy, are destined to be the larvae of the Cabbage White butterfly. On the flip side, the Cabbage Webworm Moth larvae opt for sweet potato leaves, choosing a leafy green stage over the airborne glam.
Enter our main act – the Diamondback Moth, ready for its close-up within the cauliflower confines.
Equipment Used: Lo-Mag Lens
Difficulties: ★★★☆☆ (Lo-mag lens and mini petri dish – take the challenge!)
How to Observe:
Grab you lo-mag lens and let the veggie investigation begin.
In the first growth stage the fine hairs are colorless and then turn black at the tip
The pupa of the diamondback moth has a loos silken cocoon on the outside. It’s usually found on the lower or outer leaves of plants, and sometimes on the stem of cauliflower. The pupal stage typically lasts from five to fifteen days.
You can also use sampling stickers to collect samples from different parts. For example, the scales on the wings or the antenna after the moth’s death for observation.
Additional Knowledge:
Winter brings surprises, even in the cruciferous world. Spot adult Diamondback Moths chilling in cauliflower, proving that even veggies have a winter wardrobe.
Case in point: We stumbled upon this cauliflower-trotting Diamondback Moth in our November produce party.
In the insect realm, the runway of metamorphosis showcases three major categories:
Our Diamondback Moth? A celebrity in the complete metamorphosis crew.
So, if you're spotting caterpillars in your veggie stash, grab that lo-mag lens. It's not just about veggies; it's about transforming garden mysteries into enthralling tales of bug metamorphosis. Let the garden drama unfold, one magnified detail at a time!
