Overwinter as adults in field debris. Eggs laid, singly or in small groups, on foliage. Larvae hatch in 3-5 days and feed for about 10 days to one month. Larvae initially feed as leafminers but soon emerge to feed on undersides of leaves. Mature larvae spin loose cocoons attached to lower leaf surfaces.
Moths emerge in about two weeks.
Entire life cycle lasts from 4-7 weeks. Two to six generations per year. Plant resistant varieties if available. Diamond back moth is resistant to many pesticides. Organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, or Bacillus thuringiensis may be recommended.