The location of Lepidoptera and their rates of parasitism were compared on cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower in New Zealand during 1989-90. Larvae of the yponomeutid Plutelia xylostella moved into the terminal of cabbage plants early in the season, but on broccoli larvae preferred leaves until after floret initiation. No consistent trend was seen in larvae between plant varieties, but fewer pupae were observed on broccoli. Parasitism of pupae by the ichneumonids Diadegrna semiclausu'm and Diadromus collaris ranged from 69 to 93%, with the rates being greatest on broccoli. Populations of Pieris rapae were low and there was no difference between populations or in parasitism between Brassica varieties. none