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Rape bug

Rape bug is a + 6 millimeter bug found on crucifers (cabbages).

Also known as:
Brassica bug
Cabbage bug
Crucifer shield bug

recognize a rape bug
Rape bug with the three characteristic white spots, photo: B. Schoenmakers - CC BY 3.0

Rape bug (Eurydema oleracea). This + 6 millimeter mm bug is found on crucifers, such as cabbages. Rape bugs mainly cause damage to seedlings and young shoots of cabbages. The female rape bug also eats insects.
Instead of white, the dots can also be red:

recognize a rape bug
Rape bug with red dots, photo: Guido Gerding – CC BY-SA 3.0

Where to find

Control

In general, rape bugs cause little damage; mainly seedlings and young shoots are eaten. The female rape bug also eats insects. Control – unless there is an infestation – is usually not necessary.
Shake the plant and the single rape bug falls out of the crop. Catch the rape bugs in a bucket and put the rape bugs in a place where they cannot do any harm.

Prevention

Crop rotation, in which crucifers change places annually, helps prevent an infestation of rape bugs.
Clean up plant remains of cabbage and other crucifers in the fall to prevent the rape bugs from hibernating in the plant remains.

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