Ranges throughout North America.
Adult moths have a 3/4 inch wingspan. Gray wings show white diamond shapes when folded. Eggs are pale green or yellow. Larvae have a distinctive "V" at the rear end and are pale yellowish-green with fine scattered black hairs. They often drop on a silken thread when disturbed. Larvae pupate in silken cocoons attached to leaves or litter. Adults lay eggs on both sides of the host plant leaves. The larvae hatch in a few days and feed on the plants. it takes 10 days to become full grown caterpillars. Then they spin a cocoon and in 1-2 weeks, they emerge as a moth. The adults overwinter in debris in the South. Two to six generations may occur per year.
They attach cabbage and other brassicas such as broccoli, kale, etc.
Signs that you have Diamondback moth larvae are tiny holes in the leaves and buds. Ground beetles and spined soldier bugs eat moth larvae. Lacewings eat the moth eggs. Parasitic wasps lay eggs in all stages of moth. Attract beneficial bugs with plats like parsely, dill, Queen Anne's lace, etc. The small flowers provide pollen and nectar. Also provide water and hedgerows or windbreaks for overwintering sites for beneficials. Other controls are row covers, turning under debris or destroying it, planting resistant brassicas, and organic caterpillar-killer Bt as soon as you see larvae damage.
Go To Page: 1
