Broom Moth
Common NameBroom Moth
Scientific NameMamestra brassicae
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown, white
HabitatGardens, cultivated fields, woodlands, hedgerows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa (Palearctic region)
Host Plantscabbage, broccoli, lettuce, peas, beans, tomato, tobacco, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) are polyphagous and feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, pupation occurs in the soil, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and grey forewings with distinct kidney-shaped (reniform) and dart-shaped (claviform) stigmata, often outlined in pale colors, and a wavy pale subterminal line.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly variable, mottled forewings in shades of brown, grey, and reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves.
