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Old world webworm

Old world webworm

Hellula undalis

A species of Hellula, Also known as Imported cabbage webworm

The wingspan is about 18 mm. Adult moths have fawn forewings, each with sinuous pale lines and a kidney-shaped mark. The hindwings are a uniform grey darkening at the margins.

General Info About Old world webworm
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Attributes of Old world webworm
Colors
Brown
Yellow
White
Habitat
cruciferous plant
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew
Larva Food Source
Cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage, broccoli), rape, mustard, cauliflower, kale
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Old world webworm is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Old world webworm can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Old world webworm
It is distributed in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Region.
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Distribution Area of Old world webworm
Europe, Asia, Pacific
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Life Cycle of Old world webworm
Egg The old world webworm begins life as an egg. The eggs are often laid on host plants and are minute and oval. Coloration can vary but typically is a shade that camouflages with the surroundings.
Larva Emerging from the egg, the larva of old world webworm is worm-like with a soft body. It may have different colors or patterns for camouflage or warning. The larva feeds voraciously, molting several times and increasing significantly in size.
Pupal After the final larval stage, the old world webworm enters the pupal phase. Enclosed within a cocoon or chrysalis, it undergoes transformation. Its body reorganizes completely, and the pupa may be cryptic or adorned with warning coloration.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult old world webworm's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Old world webworm
1.8 cm
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Interesting Facts About Old world webworm
The old world webworm uses its proboscis to perform bubble-blowing behavior, believed to be for evaporative cooling or concentration of nutrients.
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Scientific Classification of Old world webworm
Tips for Finding Old world webworm
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Youth Habitat of Old world webworm
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Old world webworm
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Old world webworm
For adult old world webworm, substances with sweet smells such as ripe fruit or fermenting bait might be effective in trapping them, as they are attracted to sources of sugar for feeding.
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Habitat Preferences of Old world webworm Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of old world webworm are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, particularly those in the Brassicaceae family. The larval stage, or caterpillars, inhabit the leaves and stems, often feeding on them and causing notable damage. To find the larvae, one must inspect the damaged areas of host plants closely. The pupae of old world webworm usually reside in cocoons spun close to or on the ground, near the host plant, or among leaf litter. Finally, adult old world webworm are most commonly seen flying in the vicinity of host plants during their active periods, especially in agricultural areas where their host plants are cultivated.
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How and Where Can You Find Old world webworm at Different Life Stages
Egg Old world webworm eggs are often laid in batches on the undersides of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect the plants known to be preferred by old world webworm, checking the underside of leaves for small, possibly clustered eggs.
Larva Old world webworm larvae can be found on or near host plants. They are herbivorous and can be located by looking for signs of feeding damage on leaves. Search for old world webworm larvae by carefully inspecting the leaves and stems of their favored plants.
Pupal Old world webworm pupae may be found in sheltered locations on or near the ground, often within a loose cocoon. To find old world webworm at this stage, examine leaf litter, soil detritus, or under stones around the larval host plants.
Adult To find adult old world webworm, use light traps or sugar baits at night when they are most active. Setting up a UV light near a white sheet can attract and allow for easy observation or capture of old world webworm. During the day, old world webworm adults may be resting on vegetation and can be approached with care.
Are Old world webworm harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Old world webworm
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of old world webworm chew plant tissues, particularly leaves and stems of brassica crops like cabbage. Infestations can range from mild to severe, with heavy presence leading to defoliation, stunted growth, and potential crop failure, impacting food supply and economic outcomes for farmers.

More Effects of Old world webworm

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