Diamond Back Moth

Catalogue Type
Plant Pests Catalogue
Scientific Name
Plutella xylostella
Family
Plutellidae
Distinguishing Characters
Diamondback moths are gray about one-third inch long, and have a wingspread of less than one inch.
The males have three light yellow diamond-shaped markings on their wings.
The moths move rapidly when disturbed. They fly short distances from plant to plant during the daytime.
Host Crop
Leaves of crucifers
Order
Lepidoptera
Photo of Insect
Photo of Damaged Crop
Description

The larvae feed on all parts of the plant but prefer places around the bud of a young plant,crevices between loose leaves of a firm head, and the undersides of wrapper leaves.

Larvae will often not eat completely through the leaf, leaving tiny "windows" of thin foliage.

Their feeding may disfigure the bud of a young plant so that the marketable portion will not develop properly.