How long does it take for the imported cabbageworm caterpillar to become full-grown?

How long does it take for the imported cabbageworm caterpillar to become full-grown?

• A. Two weeks
• B. Four weeks
• C. Six weeks
• D. Eight weeks

Answer: (B)

The time from hatching to full-grown for the imported cabbageworm caterpillar is about four weeks under typical field conditions. After the egg hatches, the larva goes through several molts while feeding on brassica leaves, and this development generally takes around a month. Temperature matters—cooler weather slows growth, warmer conditions speed it up—but four weeks is the standard average used in pest management guidance. Two weeks is usually too short for all molts to occur, while six to eight weeks would be longer than the usual larval period observed in the field.

The time from hatching to full-grown for the imported cabbageworm caterpillar is about four weeks under typical field conditions. After the egg hatches, the larva goes through several molts while feeding on brassica leaves, and this development generally takes around a month. Temperature matters—cooler weather slows growth, warmer conditions speed it up—but four weeks is the standard average used in pest management guidance. Two weeks is usually too short for all molts to occur, while six to eight weeks would be longer than the usual larval period observed in the field.