Hellula rogatalis

Definition

A species of crambid moth (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886, commonly known as the cabbage webworm. Larvae are folivorous pests of Brassicaceae, spinning silken webs on host plants that protect them from predators and desiccation while they feed on leaves and growing points. Native to North America, with range extending from the southern United States through eastern states to Ontario, and south into Mexico.

Etymology

Example

Hellula rogatalis larvae damage cabbage, broccoli, and related crops by skeletonizing leaves and webbing together frass and debris, making control difficult because the silk shelters shield them from contact insecticides.

Synonyms

• Cabbage webworm

Related Terms

• Crambidae
• Lepidoptera
• Hellula
• folivory
• shelter web
• Brassicaceae

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the related Old World cabbage webworm Hellula undalis by geographic range; H. rogatalis is restricted to the Americas. The common name 'cabbage webworm' is sometimes applied to both species in agricultural literature, so geographic context is essential for precise identification. The genus Hellula belongs to subfamily Glaphyriinae within Crambidae.