Which insect is recognized as a common pest of cole crops?

Cabbage loopers are known to be a significant pest of cole crops, which include vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These insects are the caterpillar stage of a moth and are notorious for their damaging feeding habits, which can lead to substantial losses in both yield and quality. Cabbage loopers feed on the leaves of these plants, creating holes and potentially introducing pathogens, which can further affect plant health.

In contrast, the other insects listed are more associated with different plants or crops. The tomato hornworm primarily targets tomatoes and peppers, while Schizaphis graminum, also known as the greenbug, is a pest of grasses and some corn crops rather than cole crops. The viburnum leaf beetle specifically feeds on viburnum shrubs, which are not related to the cole crop family. Therefore, cabbage loopers are correctly identified as a common pest of cole crops, highlighting their specific impact on these vegetable varieties.