I have a newly built pond in my yard that I "had" watercress filling the waterfall. I had originally thought the hailstorm that went through on Sunday had shredded it like everything else in my yard. But today I looked a little closer and realized it was covered with plain looking lime green caterpillars.

Over the last couple of years while planning my gardens, I have made every attempt to cater to the butterflies and hummers. I have hundreds of plants that are nectar sources while trying to plant as many host plants that are available to me. I didn't know watercress was one of them. After a little research, I "think" I have cabbage white larva.

They have completely cleaned off the watercress and I have not been able to find any more just yet. If I move them to my nasturtiums, which it seems can be a host palnt for them, will they change what they are eating or just die off for lack of food?

I know that there are cabbage whites galore, I just like watching the process. I kinda figure too, that sometimes if it weren't for the CW there would be not butterflies at all in my yard :)

Thanks, Melissa