The cabbage white butterfly caterpillar (Ascia monuste) is a pest that, throughout its life cycle, can also be found on the ground, particularly when it reaches the pupal or chrysalis stage. At this point, the caterpillar transforms to prepare for its adult phase when it will become a butterfly. After a period of feeding on the leaves of host plants such as cabbage (Brassica oleracea), the caterpillars leave the plant and move toward the soil, where they seek an appropriate location to undergo metamorphosis. The soil provides a safe and stable environment for the caterpillar during this transitional stage. The caterpillars, which initially feed actively on the leaves, now seek drier and more sheltered areas to form the chrysalis. In sandy soils or areas with dense vegetation, they may dig small depressions or search for crevices and other natural hiding places to shelter themselves. This stage is critical for managing infestations, as caterpillars in the pupal stage are often invisible to the untrained eye. They can be partially buried, making identification difficult. In this context, monitoring the soil and surrounding vegetation around affected plants is crucial to prevent the emergence of new generations of butterflies, which will continue to feed on the plants' leaves. Manually removing the pupae from the soil, when detected, can help reduce the number of adults that emerge to restart the infestation cycle. Freshness | Growth | Communication | Agriculture | Environment
High Resolution JPEG Picture of The cabbage white butterfly caterpillar (Ascia monuste) is a pest that, throughout its life cycle, can also be found on the ground, particularly when it reaches the pupal or chrysalis stage. At this point, the caterpillar transforms to prepare for its adult phase when it will become a butterfly. After a period of feeding on the leaves of host plants such as cabbage (Brassica oleracea), the caterpillars leave the plant and move toward the soil, where they seek an appropriate location to undergo metamorphosis. The soil provides a safe and stable environment for the caterpillar during this transitional stage. The caterpillars, which initially feed actively on the leaves, now seek drier and more sheltered areas to form the chrysalis. In sandy soils or areas with dense vegetation, they may dig small depressions or search for crevices and other natural hiding places to shelter themselves. This stage is critical for managing infestations, as caterpillars in the pupal stage are often invisible to the untrained eye. They can be partially buried, making identification difficult. In this context, monitoring the soil and surrounding vegetation around affected plants is crucial to prevent the emergence of new generations of butterflies, which will continue to feed on the plants' leaves. Manually removing the pupae from the soil, when detected, can help reduce the number of adults that emerge to restart the infestation cycle. [2201967130] stock photo
