DIAMONDBACK MOTH

(Plutella maculipennis), species of insect belonging to the family Plutellidae (order Lepidoptera). They resemble ermine moths, but diamondbacks hold their antennae forward when at rest. The adult moths have a wingspan of 15 mm (0.6 inch) and wavy yellow radial lines on the forewings, separating the brown anterior area from the cream-coloured hind edge. When the wings are folded these marks form a distinctive series of yellow diamond-shaped marks on top, for which the species is named. Larvae pupate in silk cocoons spun on the leaf surface of various food plants; they cause considerable destruction of cabbages and allied vegetables in all parts of the world.