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The Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae) is a common European moth of the family Noctuidae.
This species varies considerably in size, with a wingspan of 34-50 mm. The forewings are brown and mottled with a prominent white-edged stigma and a broken white subterminal line. The hindwings are grey, darker towards the termen. The prominent spur on the tibia of the foreleg is a diagnostic feature, though is best viewed with a magnifying lens. This moth has a rather complex life history: two or three broods are produced each year and adults can be seen at any time from May to October, occasionally at other times . It flies at night and is attracted to light, sugar and nectar-rich flowers.
The larva is green or brown with dark spots. As the common and scientific names suggest, it can be a pest of cultivated brassicas but it feeds on a wide range of other plants (see list below). Due to its complex life history, this species overwinters either as a larva or a pupa.
- The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
Recorded food plants
- Allium - Onion
- Aquilegia - Columbine
- Beta - Beet
- Brassica
- Bryonia - Bryony
- Calendula - Marigold
- Chrysanthemum
- Cucurbita
- Dianthus - Carnation
- Helianthus - Sunflower
- Hyoscyamus - Henbane
- Hyssopus - Hyssop
- Lactuca - Lettuce
- Linum - Flax
- Lychnis - Maltese Cross
- Lycopersicon - Tomato
- Malus - Apple
- Nicotiana - Tobacco
- Pisum
- Plantago - Plantain
- Raphanus - Radish
- Rheum - Rhubarb
- Rudbeckia
- Rumex
- Silene
- Solanum - Potato
- Spinacia - Spinach
References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
"Cabbage Moth"