Diamondback moth—Plutella xylostella
Mature diamondback moths are small, green yellow caterpillars with black hairs and are only 0.33 inch
long. The body is slender and pointed at both ends, with a distinctive V formed by two prolegs at the
rear end.
Life cycle
DamageLarvae may cause small holes in leaves, which is usually not serious, except when the wrapper or cap
leaves of cabbage are injured. Growing points or crowns of young plants may be chewed, causing stunted
growth. Some larvae may bore into heads of broccoli or cauliflower, causing contamination.
Solutions
Natural enemies often
effectively control diamondback moth in California. Applications
of Bacillus
thuringiensis or spinosad are
also very effective. Older plants are not usually seriously
damaged. Destroy culls and mustard-type weeds several weeks
before planting.
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Diamondback
moth adult
Holes
in leaves caused by larva
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