Mullein Moth
Common NameMullein Moth
Scientific NameCucullia verbasci
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCuculliinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, white, dark brown
HabitatGardens, waste ground, open woodlands, scrubland, and other areas where its host plants grow.
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Introduced to parts of North America.
Host PlantsMullein (Verbascum spp.), Figwort (Scrophularia spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctive, often brightly colored (yellow and black spotted) and feed openly on the leaves and flowers of Mullein and Figwort. They pupate in a strong cocoon underground, often overwintering for one or more years.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive streaky brown and white forewing pattern and the characteristic resting posture where the wings are held tightly around the body, making it resemble a broken twig. The larvae are also very distinctive with their yellow and black markings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with long, narrow forewings cryptically patterned with streaks of white, various shades of brown, and dark brown, giving it a resemblance to a broken twig when at rest.
