Giant Wood Moth
Common NameGiant Wood Moth
Scientific NameMamestra brassicae
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, black
HabitatGardens, cultivated fields, woodlands, waste ground
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, introduced to North America
Host Plantscabbage, lettuce, tomato, tobacco, peas, beans, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding on a wide range of herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in the soil. Typically two generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey coloration, robust body, and a very distinct, dark kidney-shaped (reniform) spot on each forewing.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with mottled grey forewings featuring a prominent, dark kidney-shaped spot and somewhat feathery antennae.
