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    • Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail – 3
    "Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail - 3" by KKPCW is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    Cabbage Moth

    Explore the nighttime nibblers of gardens and fields!

    Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail – 3
    "Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail - 3" by KKPCW is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Basics

    Scientific Name

    Mamestra brassicae

    Conservation Status

    Location

    Average size

    Wingspan about 1.5 inches

    diet

    Leaves of cabbage, broccoli, and other plants

    lifespan

    About 2 weeks as an adult moth

    Let’s Explore

    Overview

    The Cabbage Moth is a small but interesting insect that belongs to the family Noctuidae. Its scientific name is Mamestra brassicae, but you can remember it as the cabbage connoisseur of the insect world.
    Cabbage Moths usually have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). This means its wings can stretch out quite a bit when it takes to the skies in search of a tasty leaf.
    These little flyers love to munch on leaves from cabbage, broccoli, and other plants. If you're growing veggies in your garden, keep an eye out for these hungry pests as they can really enjoy a leafy feast.
    The adult Cabbage Moth has a short lifespan of about 2 weeks. That might seem short, but it makes the most of its time by fluttering around and laying eggs for the next generation.
    Cabbage Moths fly mostly at night, which is why they are part of the nocturnal club! With their delicate wings and nighttime escapades, they add a little mystery to the garden scene.
    Even though some gardeners might not appreciate their dining habits, Cabbage Moths play a role in the ecosystem. They serve as part of the food web, providing snacks for birds and other predators looking for a tasty treat!

    Where can you find a Cabbage Moth in the wild?

    What does a Cabbage Moth eat?

    How big can a Cabbage Moth grow?

    How long does a Cabbage Moth typically live?

    What is the conservation status of the Cabbage Moth?

    What are the main threats to the Cabbage Moth?

    wowzerful facts

    A Cabbage Moth can lay up to 400 eggs at one time, turning gardens into baby moth factories!

    Cabbage Moths exhibit an interesting dance. They use their delicate wings to flutter and twist in the air like expert aerialists at night.

    These moths communicate with each other using chemical scents called pheromones, like sending secret messages through the air!

    Cabbage Moths are not picky eaters! They munch on various greens, including leafy veggies like kale and cauliflower, essentially becoming buffet lovers in gardens.

    Cabbage Moths can camouflage themselves against leafy greens. This clever disguise helps them stay safe from hungry birds looking for a midnight snack!

    Adult Cabbage Moths can fly at heights of up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), reaching dizzying heights while searching for food.

    These nocturnal critters help pollinate flowers at night, becoming accidental gardeners just by flying around!

    Cabbage Moths have interesting dance partners - they often engage in 'courtship flights' where males flutter around females to woo them!

    Some scientists study Cabbage Moths to understand their behavior and find better ways to protect crops while keeping the ecosystem balanced.

    Despite their cabbage cravings, Cabbage Moths themselves provide food for birds and other predators, making them important players in the food web.

    Photos

    Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae (51699649186)
    "Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae (51699649186)" by gailhampshire is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    2154-P1040831 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
    "2154-P1040831 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    2154-DSCN2300 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
    "2154-DSCN2300 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
    Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) – (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands – 2
    "Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) - (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 2" by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. is licensed under CC BY 3.0
    [2154] Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
    "[2154] Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by Bennyboymothman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail – 3
    "Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail - 3" by KKPCW is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    VIDEOS

    "Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae (51699649186)" by gailhampshire is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    Video title lorem ipsum dolar sit amet non torda con polos asin
    "2154-P1040831 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    Video title lorem ipsum dolar sit amet non torda con polos asin
    "2154-DSCN2300 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
    Video title lorem ipsum dolar sit amet non torda con polos asin
    "Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) - (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 2" by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. is licensed under CC BY 3.0
    Video title lorem ipsum dolar sit amet non torda con polos asin
    "[2154] Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by Bennyboymothman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    Video title lorem ipsum dolar sit amet non torda con polos asin
    "Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail - 3" by KKPCW is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
    Video title lorem ipsum dolar sit amet non torda con polos asin

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    © Wowzerful 2025

    A Cabbage Moth can lay up to 400 eggs at one time, turning gardens into baby moth factories!

    Cabbage Moths exhibit an interesting dance. They use their delicate wings to flutter and twist in the air like expert aerialists at night.

    These moths communicate with each other using chemical scents called pheromones, like sending secret messages through the air!

    Cabbage Moths are not picky eaters! They munch on various greens, including leafy veggies like kale and cauliflower, essentially becoming buffet lovers in gardens.

    Cabbage Moths can camouflage themselves against leafy greens. This clever disguise helps them stay safe from hungry birds looking for a midnight snack!

    Adult Cabbage Moths can fly at heights of up to 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), reaching dizzying heights while searching for food.

    These nocturnal critters help pollinate flowers at night, becoming accidental gardeners just by flying around!

    Cabbage Moths have interesting dance partners - they often engage in 'courtship flights' where males flutter around females to woo them!

    Some scientists study Cabbage Moths to understand their behavior and find better ways to protect crops while keeping the ecosystem balanced.

    Despite their cabbage cravings, Cabbage Moths themselves provide food for birds and other predators, making them important players in the food web.

    Overview

    The Cabbage Moth is a small but interesting insect that belongs to the family Noctuidae. Its scientific name is Mamestra brassicae, but you can remember it as the cabbage connoisseur of the insect world.
    Cabbage Moths usually have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). This means its wings can stretch out quite a bit when it takes to the skies in search of a tasty leaf.
    These little flyers love to munch on leaves from cabbage, broccoli, and other plants. If you're growing veggies in your garden, keep an eye out for these hungry pests as they can really enjoy a leafy feast.
    The adult Cabbage Moth has a short lifespan of about 2 weeks. That might seem short, but it makes the most of its time by fluttering around and laying eggs for the next generation.
    Cabbage Moths fly mostly at night, which is why they are part of the nocturnal club! With their delicate wings and nighttime escapades, they add a little mystery to the garden scene.
    Even though some gardeners might not appreciate their dining habits, Cabbage Moths play a role in the ecosystem. They serve as part of the food web, providing snacks for birds and other predators looking for a tasty treat!

    Where are Cabbage Moth found in the wild?

    The Cabbage Moth spreads its wings across various habitats in Asia, especially in gardens and agricultural fields where vegetables grow. These delightful insects prefer warm environments that help them thrive during the growing season, turning them into little night-time munching machines!

    What does a Cabbage Moth eat?

    Cabbage Moths feast primarily on the leaves of cabbage, broccoli, and other delightful plants. These tiny munchers can eat a significant amount to fuel their night-time adventures, using their sharp mouthparts to nibble on tender greens.

    How big can a Cabbage Moth grow?

    With a wingspan of about 1.5 inches (4 centimeters), this moth zips through gardens in search of tasty leaves to munch. Just imagine its delicate wings stretching wide as it dances through the night, making every garden a little more enchanting!

    How long does a Cabbage Moth typically live?

    The adult Cabbage Moth has a lifespan of about 2 weeks, but its journey begins long before that! The moth starts life as an egg, which hatches into a caterpillar, or larva, that munches on leaves for about 2 to 3 weeks before turning into a pupa, where it undergoes transformation for another week or so before becoming a fluttering adult. With such a short adult life, these moths make every moment count by exploring gardens at night and ensuring the next generation comes along!

    What is the conservation status of the Cabbage Moth?

    These fluttering friends glide around gardens and fields, bringing a sprinkle of magic to the night! The Cabbage Moth enjoys a conservation status of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List, which means they are doing just fine in their quest for tasty greens!

    What are the main threats to the Cabbage Moth?

    Cabbage Moths face natural challenges from hungry predators like birds, spiders, and other insects that enjoy a tasty meal. These munching machines must stay alert to avoid becoming a snack in the great outdoors!Manmade threats include the use of pesticides in gardens and farms, which can accidentally harm these delicate moths. Habitat loss due to urban development also makes it harder for them to find their favorite leafy greens, but thankfully, they remain common in many areas.

    Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae (51699649186)
    "Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae (51699649186)" by gailhampshire is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    "Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae (51699649186)" by gailhampshire is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    2154-P1040831 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
    "2154-P1040831 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    "2154-P1040831 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    2154-DSCN2300 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
    "2154-DSCN2300 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
    "2154-DSCN2300 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by ajmatthehiddenhouse is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
    Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) – (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands – 2
    "Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) - (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 2" by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. is licensed under CC BY 3.0
    "Mamestra brassicae (Noctuidae) - (imago), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 2" by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. is licensed under CC BY 3.0
    [2154] Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
    "[2154] Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by Bennyboymothman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    "[2154] Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)" by Bennyboymothman is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail – 3
    "Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail - 3" by KKPCW is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
    "Mamestra brassicae on metallic handrail - 3" by KKPCW is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0