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DIAMONDBACK MOTH FACTS |
Identification
The Diamondback Moth has long narrow forewings with the tips turned upwards. It has a zigzag band of cream or light brown along the trailing edge of the forewings. When the wings are closed, these markings form three light coloured diamonds along the back. The hindwings are much shorter and fringed dark grey. When at rest, the wings are held in a roof shape with the antennae pointing forwards.
Size
Adult body length about 6mm; wingspan about 15mm. The caterpillar grows to about 2cm.
Food
It is an agricultural pest on plants from the Brassicaceae family including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts and radish. It also feeds on garden ornamentals such as wallflower, candytuft, alyssum and stock.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Lepidoptera | | Family: | Plutellidae | | Genus: | Plutella | | Species: | xylostella | | Common Name: | Diamondback moth |
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