Diamond Back Moth Larva


Attacks cabbage, collards, greenhouse plants, and some ornamentals such as alyssum, candytuft, and wallflower. Imported from Europe, this insect now occurs all over the U.S.

It usually devours only a small portion of leaf. Larvae work on the underside and eat many small holes. Frequently they leave only the upper epidermis, which has an isinglass-like effect.

It gets its name from a row of diamond-shaped yellow spots which meet down the back of the moth. The moths spend the winter hidden among crop remnants. The larvae seldom exceed one-third inch in length, are pale green in color, and are much more nervous in habit than other cabbage worms.