Abstract  [Aim]  To identify and analyze the odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) of Tuta absoluta, and elucidate the olfactory recognition mechanism it uses to locate hosts, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the environmentally friendly control of this pest. [Methods]  Based on published genome data for T. absoluta, OBP genes were screened and identified, and bioinformatics analysis and homologous modeling was performed to obtain the genes’ three-dimensional structure. Autodock software was used to simulate molecular docking between PabsOBPs and three volatile ligands, and the genes’ binding characteristics were analyzed. [Results]  BLAST analysis showed that 15 OBP genes of T. absoluta had high homology with OBPs of other lepidopteran insects. Multiple sequence alignment of PaOBPs classified all OBPs into three types: Minus-C type OBPs (OBP9), Plus-C type OBPs (OBP3/4/7/6/8/10/15), and Classic OBPs type (OBP1/2/5/11-14). A phylogenetic tree indicated a credible, homologous, evolutionary relationship between the OBP genes of T. absoluta and those of other lepidopteran insects. The results of molecular docking indicate that PabsOBPs have strong binding ability for three volatiles of solanaceous hosts. PabsOBP2 has strong binding affinity for the tomato volatile 2-carene, whereas PabsOBP8 and PabsOBP9 bind to the solanaceous host plant volatiles 2-pentylfuran and (e)-2-hexenal, respectively. PabsOBPs bind to these three host volatiles mainly by hydrophobic force and hydrogen bonding. [Conclusion]  15 OBP genes of T. absoluta were identified and analyzed, and the interaction between 15 PabsOBPs and 3 host volatiles was elucidated. PabsOBP2 could accurately identify 2-carene, a volatile specific to tomato plants. These results provide a theoretical basis for the development of behavior-based, environmentally-friendly methods of controlling T. absoluta.