Cabbage Moth
Mamestra brassicae
This record describes Mamestra brassicae (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 37-45 mm. There can be considerable variation in the size of the adults. The markings vary, and it can resemble a number of other species, but can always be identified by the presence of a curved 'spur' on the tibia of the foreleg. The species shows a rather complex life-history, with two or three overlapping generations, and moths on the wing from May through to September. As both the English and Scientific names suggest, the main foodplants are Cabbage ( Brassica spp.) and related crops, and it can be a notorious pest. A common species throughout most of Britain, becoming less so further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Mamestra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A wide range of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The species shows a rather complex life-history, with two or three overlapping generations, and moths on the wing from May through to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
As both the English and Scientific names suggest, the main foodplants are Cabbage (
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common species throughout most of Britain, becoming less so further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Mamestra brassicae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cabbage Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Moth
What is Cabbage Moth?
Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Cabbage Moth?
of the adults. The markings vary, and it can resemble a number of other species, but can always be identified by the presence of a curved 'spur' on the tibia of the foreleg.
Where is Cabbage Moth found?
Habitat: A wide range of habitats.
When is Cabbage Moth active?
Cabbage Moth: seasonal activity - The species shows a rather complex life-history, with two or three overlapping generations, and moths on the wing from May through to September..
What is the life cycle of a Cabbage Moth?
As both the English and Scientific names suggest, the main foodplants are Cabbage (