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What is eating all my basil?

Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
in Problem solving
I have 10 basil plants amongst my tomatoes in the greenhouse as I always do and they've been growing really well.
But, over the last 3 days all of the plants have been reduced to almost nothing.
I've found the culprits - can anyone advise what sort of caterpillar they are please?

I've sown some more basil, but would like to get rid of these-

Thanks



Billericay - Essex

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Posts

  • RaboonRaboon Posts: 15
    I think it is the Cabbage Looper, which is born of the Silver Y Moth.

    I say that from referencing its horizontal stripe, colour and leg count against this

    http://www.wildlifeinsight.com/british-caterpillar-galleries/british-moth-caterpillar-galleries-5/

    What topped it off is the statement "they're the most common migrant moth in the UK". Usefully, I read that after coming to the above conclusion, so it didn't sway my research, but rather bolstered it!

    They're called loopers because, as they move around, they look a little like they're rolling themselves up and out again. If that's this one's preferred locomotion over your basil, I think we're on to a winner.

    Probably stating the obvious but regardless of type, as the caterpillar are in a greenhouse, their natural predators, birds, can't help you out.

    Instead, perhaps get your own back a little by picking the blighters off and plonking them somewhere out in the open, like a patio, where the birds can spot them and have a feast!

    Mesh off the basil to stop them from getting at it. 

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Thanks @Raboon I think you're right - that's just what they look like.
    I have had them in the past, but they don't usually appear until late summer when I see them on my tomato plants.

    I've pruned all the basil down to the last pair of shoots and will hope for the best.
    I chucked the damaged plant material and caterpillars onto the lawn - I hope the birds enjoy my revenge :)

    I've sown some more and fortunately I have 2 plants in pots on the staging that at present have not been munched.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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