Mullein moth

The mullein moth, (Cucullia verbasci), is a noctuid moth with a Palearctic distribution.

Mullein moth
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Cucullia
Species:
C. verbasci
Binomial name
Cucullia verbasci
Synonyms

Shargacucullia verbasci (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description
For a key to the terms used, see Glossary of entomology terms.

The forewing is broad [for the genus] and brownish ochreous; the costal streak and those preceding and following the lower part of outer line are a deep red-brown; the lunules following the line white and conspicuous; the space below median paler, becoming almost whitish above the outer dark brown streak; the stigmata are marked by dark brown spots; a row of deep brown streaks from apex to vein 6, and another, more faint, from below the apex to the end of cell. The hindwing of the male is whitish, with dark veins and cellspot, becoming diffusely fuscous along the termen; in the female it is darker throughout.[1]

The larva is creamy with black and yellow spots.

Range

It is found in western, southern and central Europe and North Africa. However, there are only individual finds from Denmark and southern Estonia in the north. The eastern presence extends to western Afghanistan. It is also found in Israel and Turkey. In the Alps, it rises up to a height of 1600 meters.

Status

Habitat – mainly dry and warm places, scrub, dry grassland, on rocky slopes, steppe as well as parks and gardens.

Habits – completely strips the leaves of the host plant and can be a horticultural pest.[2] When threatened, the caterpillar freezes and may vomit.

Life cycle

Egg

Eggs are laid singly on the under-surface of leaves of food plants. Initially white, they turn grey before hatching.

Larva
Mulein Moth larvae photographed in Carlton, Nottingham 2012-06-27
Caterpillar

The larva is the most commonly encountered part of the life cycle, clearly visible as it feeds on the leaves of its host plants. (Waring et al., 2003) When fully grown it is 44–48 mm long. (Porter, 1997)

Pupa

The pupa is the longest part of the life cycle (up to 5 years in captivity). It lives underground in a strong cocoon. (Waring et al., 2003)

Imago

The imago displays much variation in size: wingspan ranges between 45 mm and 56 mm. They also show minor variation in colour. The moth flies from late April to June depending on the location.

Host plants

See Robinson, G. S. et al.[3]

References
  1. Seitz, A. (ed.), 1914 Die Großschmetterlinge der Erde, Verlag Alfred Kernen, Stuttgart Band 3: Abt. 1, Die Großschmetterlinge des palaearktischen Faunengebietes, Die palaearktischen eulenartigen Nachtfalter, 1914
  2. David V Alford,2012 Pests of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Flowers: A Colour Handbook, Second Edition 2012 Manson Pub Ltd ISBN 978-1840761627
  3. "Robinson, G. S., P. R. Ackery, I. J. Kitching, G. W. Beccaloni & L. M. Hernández, 2010. HOSTS – A Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants. Natural History Museum, London".
  • Bretherton, R.F., B. Goater and R.I. Lorimer (1983) Noctuidae: Cucilliinae to Hypeninae. Pages 49–52 in John Heath, A. Maitland Emmet et al. (Ed.) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol. 10: Noctuidae (Cucilliinae to Hypeninae) and Agaristidae. Harley Books, Colchester, UK.
  • Waring, Paul, Martin Townsend and Richard Lewington (2003) Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing, Hook, UK. ISBN 0-9531399-1-3
  • Chinery, Michael Insects of Britain and Western Europe. Collins. ISBN 0-00-219137-7
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