73.274 BF2154

Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 37-45 mm.

A common species throughout most of Britain, becoming less so further north. 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 Latin names suggest, the main foodplants are cabbage (Brassica spp.) and related crops, and it can be a notorious pest.