Diamondback Moth


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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.
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