Another leaf hole problem.

would appreciate if some one could help or give some suggestions.
have indeed searched this site as well as google.

see photo below.
holes are large including edges and sometimes taking out complete sections leaving the veins. have found a black cluster of eggs or what not? on the under section of leaves.
leaves infected are bok choi, yukima savoy, spinach and chinese cabbage. they have left my chard string beans, squash, cucumbers and tomatoes alone as to date.

have been unable to identify the insect causing this problem.

caterpillars -have not seen caterpillars upon numerous inspections

Aphids- the hole is through and i read as they don't make trough holes

 snails-have inspected at night and also laid out saucers with beer with no sign of them.

flea beetles- have disturbed the plants and not seen any jumping insects as per my research.
also have used yellow sticky paper with nothing caught

thanx for any help given


http://www.nu-ages.com/holes.jpg

If the black cluster of whatever looks like this



those are cabbage moth eggs.

Look for white butterflies with one or two dark spots on each wing flitting around during the day.  Those are cabbage moths.  Look on the bottom sides of the leaves for the worms.  The cabbage worm starts doing damage when it's less than ¼ inch long.  They're usually green and blend in very well with the leaves making them hard to see.  The biggest ones that I've seen are over an inch long.

Hand picking the worms will control them if they're not too great in numbers.  In the future, you can protect the plants with netting.

I'm not familiar, or have experience with, pesticides that may be helpful.

And yes i have seen those white butterflies plus the eggs. thanx for the identification help.  i can now certainly do the research and decide how to go about eradication.

how did i miss this conversation in my search of this site?! did a search on this site and entered  "leaf + hole" great info. bought (brought?) 8oz bag of bt from amazon for $8.35 and am buying some tulle today before i put my new seedlings out. great info!!
ps i hear rumblings about a fall garden. a bit early?
thanx again for the all so helpful help.

jarity wrote:ps i hear rumblings about a fall garden. a bit early?

Fall planting dates are based on first frost dates and working backwards from there.  The greater Chicago area has a range of first frost dates, so you'll have to narrow it down based on where you are.

The average date of Chicago's first freezing temperature in the autumn varies considerably across the metropolitan area, occurring earliest in outlying areas and latest downtown. The range is from Oct. 11 (O'Hare) to Nov. 6 (Loop).

There's still time to plant a lot of stuff, but you're running out of time for longer growing season plants unless you're planting seedlings.  If you'd like more detailed help, that would be best asked in your regional forum.