Editors: W.T. Wilsey, C.R. Weeden, and A.M. Shelton
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Diamondback
Moth (Plutella xylostella)
- Life Cycle
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for larger image |
Adults:
Adults are slender, very small, 1/3 inch (8mm) long, grayish-brown
moths with folded wings flaring outward and upward at their posterior
ends. The folded forewings of the male form a row of three diamond-shaped
yellow spots where they meet along the middle of the back. |
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for larger image
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Eggs:
Diamondback moth eggs are small round, yellowish-white and laid singly
or in groups of two or three on the underside of lower leaves or on
the lower stalks. Egg hatch occurs in 5 to 10 days depending on the
prevailing temperatures. |
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Larvae:
Diamondback larvae pass through four instars (growth stages). First
instars, upon hatching, begin mining within the leaf tissue, whereas
later instars feed on heart leaves of young plants and/or the underside
of the leaf surfaces of more mature plants.
Mature larvae are 1/3 inch (8mm) long, pale greenish-yellow, and
pointed at both ends. Diamondback larvae can be distinguished from
other young pest species by their habit of actively wriggling or
dropping from the leaf on a silken thread when disturbed. Larval
development is completed within 10 days to 4 weeks depending on
temperature.
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Pupae:
The pupa develops within a delicate, loosely spun, open lacework cocoon
that is attached to the leaves and stems of the plant. Adults emerge
in 7 to 15 days. |
Damage inflicted by diamondback
moth on cabbage and crucifers
Some information on this page
taken from Insects of Crucifers: Factsheet number 102GFS751.20 authored
by J. T. Andaloro, and P. B. Baker.
©All material is protected
by Section 107 of the 1976 copyright law.
Copyright is held by Cornell University.
Maintained by Jason D. Plate. Last updated Mar. 8th, 2007.
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