Diamondback Moth
FamilyPlutellidae
Scientific NamePlutella xylostella
RangeWorldwide
HabitatFarmland
About the Diamondback Moth
A small brown moth named for the pale diamond pattern along its back when the wings are folded. Its caterpillars attack cabbages, broccoli, and other brassica crops worldwide. It was the first insect known to evolve resistance to Bt toxins in open fields, and it has developed resistance to many insecticides. Costs farmers billions each year.