Evergestis rimosalis

Definition

A species of crambid moth (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) native to eastern North America, commonly called the cross-striped cabbageworm. Larvae feed on brassicaceous crops including cabbage, broccoli, and related cultivated and wild mustards, making it a sporadic agricultural pest. Adults are small, pale moths with distinctive dark cross-striping on the forewings. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1854 and occurs across most of the eastern United States.

Etymology

Evergestis from Greek roots (everges, 'beneficent' or 'useful,' perhaps ironically for a pest species); rimosalis from Latin rimosus ('full of cracks or fissures,' referring to the lined or striated wing pattern)

Example

Evergestis rimosalis larvae skeletonize leaves of cabbage and broccoli, leaving behind the tougher leaf veins; in heavy infestations, they may also bore into the developing heads, causing direct crop damage and creating entry points for secondary pathogens.

Synonyms

• Cross-striped cabbageworm

Related Terms

• Crambidae
• Lepidoptera
• brassicaceous host plants
• agricultural entomology
• skeletonization
• Evergestis

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the more widespread imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae, Pieridae) and cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni, Noctuidae) by larval morphology and adult wing pattern. The common name 'cross-striped cabbageworm' refers specifically to the larval stage; adults are rarely noticed by non-specialists. Taxonomic placement in Crambidae (formerly Pyralidae) reflects modern molecular phylogenetics.