Plutellidae

Plutellidae is a family of moths in the order Lepidoptera, within the superfamily Yponomeutoidea. It includes several genera and about 100 described species, distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in temperate regions.

Adults are small moths with slender forewings and a wingspan typically 6–12 mm. Coloration is variable but often drab gray or brown with metallic markings; hindwings are narrow and fringed. When at rest they are held roof-like over the body.

Larvae are typically leaf feeders on a variety of plants; some species mine leaves or feed in flower buds, fruitlets, or seeds, depending on genus. The life cycle is holometabolous, with several larval instars, followed by pupation in silken cocoons on the host plant or in leaf litter.

The best-known species is Plutella xylostella, the diamondback moth, a globally important pest of Brassicaceae crops such as cabbage and broccoli. It has a broad distribution and has developed resistance to many insecticides, prompting the use of integrated pest management. Other plutellids are generally of minor economic importance but can affect ornamental or wild plant species.

The genus Plutella is the type genus of the family. The group is part of Yponomeutoidea, and relationships within this superfamily are the subject of ongoing study.