Abstract The diamondback moth (DBM) is one of the most studied insect pests in the world, yet it is among the 'leaders' of the most difficult pests to control. It was the first crop insect reported to develop resistance to microbial Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides, and has shown resistance to almost every insecticide, including the most recent groups such as diamide. DBM is a highly invasive species. It may have its origin in Europe, South Africa or East Asia, but is now present wherever its cruciferous hosts exist and is considered to be the most universally distributed Lepidoptera. It is highly migratory and wind-borne adults can travel long distances to invade crops in other regions, countries and continents. Immature stages also hitchhike on plant parts and can establish in new areas. DBM costs the global economy an estimated US$4 -5 billion annually, but its impacts on local biodiversity and habitats in exotic ranges are unknown.