Abstract  [Aim] To determine the toxicity of eleven insecticides to the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of Tuta absoluta. [Methods]  The leaf-dipping, pupae-dipping and film methods, were used to determine the toxicities of 11 insecticides to the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of T. absoluta. [Results]  Among the 11 insecticides tested, only emamectin benzoate had relatively high toxicity to eggs (LC₅₀ = 21.458 mg a.i./L). However, several (chlorantraniliprole, avermectin, spinetoram, cyantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, tetraniliprole and emamectin benzoate) were highly toxic to larvae with LC₅₀’s of 0.384, 0.398, 0.847, 1.851, 3.173, 3.748 and 3.959 mg a.i./L, respectively. Toxicity of the eleven insecticides tested to pupae was generally low, although spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, chlorfenapyr and chlorantraniliprole had LC₅₀’s of 31.823, 35.811, 52.641 and 58.627 mg a.i./L respectively. Only chlorfenapyr and spinetoram were highly toxic to adults, followed by cyantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, and cyhalothrin, with LC₅₀’s of 1.434, 7.208, 37.539, 46.395 and 49.021 mg a.i./L, respectively. [Conclusion]  During the early period of T. absoluta occurrence, insecticides should be selected according to the predominant developmental stage present. Emamectin benzoate could be used for egg inhibition; chlorantraniliprole, avermectin, spinetoram could be used for larval control; spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, chlorfenapyr and chlorantraniliprole could be selected for pupal control; while chlorfenapyr and spinetoram could be used for adult control. However, over time, generational overlap will cause adults, eggs and larvae to coexist on tomato plants in the field. Insecticides with high toxicity to the developmental stages mentioned above, such as emamectin benzoate and avermectin, should be used in rotation to delay the development of resistance in T. absoluta.