The larvae of diamondback moths are voracious pests and are growing resistant to insecticides.

Summary

The diamondback moth is a small moth that is most popular as a pest of cruciferous vegetables. These insects commonly attack vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, rutabaga, and cauliflower. Although they are small, they are usually quite numerous, causing significant damage to the leaves of the plants they attack. The larval (caterpillar) of the diamondback moth is what causes the most damage to plants. Experts consider this insect as one of the most widely distributed of all the Lepidoptera. 

Diamondback Moth Facts

• DBM live for 25-30 days
• Older larvae feed on leaf undersides creating a windowpane effect
• Adult females lay their eggs at night only

Diamondback Moth Species, Types, And Scientific Name

Also known as the cabbage moth (because it mainly attacks cabbage and similar cruciferous vegetables), the moth goes by the scientific name Plutella xylostella. It belongs to the family Plutellidae, a family of tiny to medium-sized moths. There are more than 200 species of moths in the Plutellidae family.  

The small grayish-brown appearance of the cabbage moth is quite characteristic of moths in the Plutellidae family. Experts believe that the species might have originated from Europe, the Mediterranean region of South Africa, but is not spread all over the globe due to their ability to migrate over long distances. Diamondback moths are also considered notorious pests. The fact that they have developed resistance to many of the most common chemicals favors their proliferation. 

Appearance: How To Identify Diamondback Moth

Cabbage moths are small insects with a gray and brown color. One of their most distinctive features is the cream-colored band on their back which has the shape of a diamond when folded. This is the origin of the insect’s common name. 

When you view it from the side, the tip of the moth’s wings has a slight upward turn. The male and females of this species are similar in size and appearance. Adult diamondback moths have a wingspan of about 15mm, and their body is about 6mm long. They feature prominent antennae and narrow forewings, lighter along the anterior margins with dark speckles all over. 

Adult cabbage moths live for about 12 and 16 days. Female moths live longer (about 16 days) and spend ten days out of these laying eggs. Although diamondback moths are weak fliers, they’re light enough for the wings to distribute them over long distances. 

Habitat: Where to find Diamondback Moth

Although experts believe that diamondback moths originate from European, they’re now present worldwide. The insect can be found pretty much anywhere where cabbage is grown. It has even been found in cold regions where it cannot overwinter successfully, such as British Columbia and several regions of Canada.  

DBM survives on Brassicaceae host plants. The insect will spend most of its life near the selected host plant. Experts believe the female moth can recognize chemicals such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in the host plants.  

Diet: What Do Diamondback Moths Eat?

Diamondback moths live and feed on cruciferous plants such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, rutabaga, and brussels sprouts.

Due to the insect’s larvae’s feeding activities, farmers worldwide consider these moths as pests. A species of cabbage moth ( Plutella antiphonal) is endemic in New Zealand. 

What Eats Diamondback Moths? 

Ground beetles and damsel bugs typically eat the larvae of diamondback moth. Green lacewings also prey on the moth’s eggs and larval offspring.

What Does Diamondback Moths Eat? 

The larvae of the Diamondback moths feed on the leaves of cruciferous crops, and they can cause significant damage due to their large numbers. Specifically, the moth targets the area between the midribs and the large veins. The larvae prefer to eat the lower surface of the leaves, and they’ll typically leave the thin upper epidermis intact. This creates a sort of window-pane effect. 

These moths are voracious feeders and may cause stunted growth in the plants they attack. In many cases, these insects cause the heads of young cabbage plants to abort. They attack root crops as well. But the damage they cause is not really significant. 

Prevention: How To Get Rid Of Diamondback Moth

Diamondback moths can cause significant damage to cruciferous crops. To prevent moth infestation, farmers may apply insecticide to the leaves twice per week. In recent times, experts have discovered that moths are gradually growing resistant to insecticides. Combining or rotating insecticides is often recommended. 

Diamondback moths are susceptible to rainfall. Experts have found out it’s a major cause of mortality in the young larvae of the insect. Farms that have sprinkler irrigation systems are less likely to suffer an infestation. Diversifying crops or interplanting crucifer plants with other crops are also effective ways of for reducing moth-related plant damage. 

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