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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Caterpillars, maggots, grubs, and similar immature insects - Larger than 3/4 inch long > Zebra caterpillar

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Zebra caterpillar

Melanchra picta

Zebra caterpillar

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension


Description: Up to 1 1/2 inches long.

Where/When: Found on cabbage as well as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, potato, and tomato. It also attacks flowers, such as aster and hydrangea. Active in Minnesota during early summer and again in late summer.

Significance: The larvae feed on leaves and can potentially defoliate plants although they are typically not an important problem in gardens.

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