Diamondback Moth

View more pictures: Bing Images Google Images Yahoo Images

Common names:  Diamondback Moth

Scientific name:  Plutella xylostella

Region:  This caterpillar can be found throughout North America.

Life cycle:  This insect produces two to six generations each year.  The adult moths hibernate in cabbage debris.

Physical Description:  This 1/5 inch long caterpillar is a pale green with a black head and tapered body, and can be found hanging from a silk thread.  The adult moth is gray with yellow folded wings that have diamond shaped areas.

It has a wingspan of 3/4 inches.  The yellow eggs are laid on foliage by themselves.

Feeding characteristics:  This pest attacks broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi, by mining the leaves, then feeding externally.

This is a relatively minor pest, but can cause considerable damage to the cabbage family.

Controls:  handpicking helps for small problems.  For larger infestations, use Bacillus thuringiensis and other treatments, such as, the herbal repellant Southernwood.