πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Cabbage Moth

Mamestra brassicae

About Cabbage Moth

A mottled grey-brown moth with kidney-shaped and circular stigmata on the forewings. Its caterpillar is a serious pest of brassica crops worldwide.

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Did You Know?

A single caterpillar can bore deep into a cabbage head contaminating it with frass and making it unmarketable.

How to Identify Cabbage Moth

Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae. Adults typically measure Wingspan 34-50mm.

Cabbage Moth Habitat

Cabbage Moth is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Cabbage Moth Diet and Feeding

Cabbage Moth is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.

Where Is Cabbage Moth Found?

Cabbage Moth can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Cabbage Moth can be found

Is Cabbage Moth Dangerous?

Cabbage Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Cabbage Moth Role in Nature

Cabbage Moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Moth

What does Cabbage Moth look like?

The Cabbage Moth typically measures Wingspan 34-50mm.

Where is Cabbage Moth found?

The Cabbage Moth is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Cabbage Moth eat?

The Cabbage Moth feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.

Is Cabbage Moth dangerous to humans?

The Cabbage Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Cabbage Moth?

A single caterpillar can bore deep into a cabbage head contaminating it with frass and making it unmarketable.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cabbage-moth

MLA:
"Cabbage Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cabbage-moth.