Diamondback Moth
Plutella xylostella
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameDiamondback Moth
DescriptionDiamondback moth larvae are major pests of cabbage and broccoli, causing significant damage. Identify these small green worms and manage them effectively.
TypeInsect
FamilyPlutellidae
GenusPlutella
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
Features
- Named for the diamond-shaped pattern formed by the wings of the adult moth when at rest. One of the most difficult pests to manage due to widespread insecticide resistance
- Adult moths are small, greyish-brown with a light-colored diamond pattern on their back. Larvae are small, green, and tapered at both ends, often wiggling vigorously when touched
- Larvae feed on the lower surface of leaves. They often leave the transparent upper epidermis intact, creating a 'window-pane' effect
- Characteristic 'window-paning' where the leaf is eaten through except for a thin layer. Large populations can skeletonize leaves and damage the growing tips of young plants
- Moths lay tiny yellow eggs on leaves. Larvae develop quickly (1-2 weeks). They spin a lacy cocoon on the leaf to pupate. Very short lifecycle allows for many generations per year
- Adults have a wingspan of about 15 mm. Larvae reach about 10 mm in length
- Thrives in warm, dry environments. Populations can build up very rapidly in summer
- Only attacks plants in the Brassicaceae (crucifer) family, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, radish, and mustard
- Manage by destroying crop residues after harvest. Use trap crops like collards to pull moths away from main crops
- Natural enemies like parasitic wasps are very effective. Applications of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad are common organic controls
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPlutella xylostella
English (Alternate)Cabbage moth, DBM
Hindiಹೀರಕ್-ಪೃಷ್ಠ ಪತಂಗ (Heerak-pristh patanga)
Tamilವೈರ ಮುದುಗು ಅಂದುಪ್ಪೂಚಿ (Vaira mudhugu anthuppoochi)
Teluguವಜ್ರಪು ಆಕಾರಪು ಪುರುಗು (Vajrapu akarapu purugu)
Malayalamಡಯಮಂಡ್ಬ್ಯಾಕ್ ಶಲಭಂ (Diamondback shalabham)
Kannadaವಜ್ರದ ಬೆನ್ನಿನ ಚಿಟ್ಟೆ (Vajrada bennina chitte)
Sanskritವಜ್ರಕ-ಪತಗ (Vajraka-pataga)
Bengaliಡಯಮಂಡ್ಬ್ಯಾಕ್ ಮತ್ (Diamondback moth)
Frenchteigne des crucifères
Russianಕಪುಸ್ಟ್ನಾಯ ಮೊಲ್ (kapustnaya mol')
Spanishpolilla del dorso de diamante
GermanKohlschabe
