Have you ever come across a mullein moth? These beautiful creatures are often seen fluttering around in the summertime, but there is much more to them than meets the eye. Mullein moths have unique habitats and diets, as well as an interesting life cycle that can be fascinating to learn about. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or just starting out with wildlife observation, discovering information on mullein moths can provide insight into their behaviour and ecology. In this article, we will explore what makes these insects so special and why they deserve our attention.
How To Identify a Mullein Moth
The mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci) is a species of tiger moth found in the United Kingdom. It has a wingspan of around 2.5 cm, and its body is typically grey or brown with white stripes running along its sides. Its forewings are usually dark grey, while its hindwings have yellow spots and orange patches near the base. The underside of both wings may be covered in small black dots or lines.
When identifying this species, look for the distinctive pattern on its back that resembles a ‘Y’ shape when viewed from above. This pattern can help distinguish it from other similar-looking moths, such as the garden tiger moth (Arctia caja). Additionally, you can identify it by looking at its antennae which are long and thin compared to other moths in the same family.
Mullein Moth Habitat
The mullein moth is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America and parts of Asia. It prefers habitats with plenty of vegetation, such as meadows, fields and gardens. Mullein moths are often seen near their host plants – common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and great mullein (Verbascum thapsus). They can also be found on other plants like nettles or dock leaves.
Mullein moths prefer sunny areas with plenty of nectar-rich flowers for them to feed on during the day. During cooler months, they may seek shelter in trees or shrubs but will usually return to open grassy areas when temperatures rise again. The larvae are most commonly found on the underside of leaves, where they feed until pupation occurs in late summer or early autumn.
Mullein moths can also be spotted at night when they come out to feed on sweet-smelling flowers such as honeysuckle and jasmine, which attract them from miles away due to their strong scent. In addition, some species have been known to migrate long distances depending upon environmental conditions such as drought or food availability.
Overall, mullein moths inhabit a variety of habitats ranging from meadows and fields to gardens and woodlands; however, they tend to prefer sunny spots with plenty of nectar-rich flowers for feeding purposes during the daytime hours before returning back to sheltered areas at nightfall.
Mullein Moth Diet
Mullein moths primarily feed on nectar from flowers such as daisies, dandelions, thistles, and clovers. During the day, they rest among foliage or under tree bark, where they remain well camouflaged against predators. At night they come out to search for food sources like flower petals or other plant materials which provide them with essential nutrients needed for survival.
In addition to nectar from flowers, mullein moths also eat pollen grains from various plants, including those in the family Fabaceae (legumes). Pollen provides them with protein which helps fuel their flight muscles during mating season when males compete for females over long distances. Mullein moths may also consume honeydew secreted by aphids feeding on host plants as an additional source of nutrition if available.
Mullein Moth Life Cycle
Eggs
Female mullein moths lay their eggs singly on leaves or stems near food sources for the larvae. Each egg is around 0.5 mm in diameter and creamy white in colour with a slightly rough texture.
Larvae
After hatching from the egg, larval development begins immediately; they feed voraciously until reaching maturity after two to three weeks, depending on temperature and food availability. Mullein moth larvae have a distinctive appearance – they are whitish-yellow with black spots running along their bodies and four pairs of prolegs at the rear end that help them move quickly over surfaces. They reach up to 5 cm in length when fully grown before pupating into adults.
Pupae
When ready to pupate, larvae will attach themselves firmly to leaves or stems using silk threads produced by glands located near their mouths. This process takes around 10 days before they emerge as adult moths with fully developed wingspans of approximately 2 cm wide.
Ash is a contributing author who has been writing about wildlife for as long as he can remember. He has a vast knowledge of many different types of animals, from the tiniest shrews to the great whales that live in the deepest oceans.
Hello, I have wild mullein (verbascum) growing in my garden. At the moment they are covered in Mullein moth caterpillars which are chomping the leaves into lace!!. Can you please tell me what, if any, bird species eat these caterpillars – or anything else, as I don’t want to kill them. Thank you.
Hello Jill,
There are some bird species that can help you naturally control the Mullein moth caterpillars in your garden. These birds love to snack on caterpillars, including the ones munching on your wild mullein plants. Here are a few feathered friends you can attract:
Bluebirds: Eastern and Western Bluebirds are insect-loving birds. You can invite them to your garden with nest boxes or feeders.
Warblers: Yellow Warblers and Black-and-white Warblers are migratory birds that enjoy caterpillar snacks. Planting trees and shrubs will attract them to your garden.
Sparrows: White-throated Sparrows and Song Sparrows are ground-loving birds that eat insects, including caterpillars. They’ll help keep the caterpillar population under control.
Wrens: Carolina Wrens and House Wrens are tiny insect hunters. They’ll eagerly search for caterpillars to satisfy their appetite.
To invite these helpful birds, create a bird-friendly environment with diverse vegetation, water sources, and bird feeders in your garden. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your wild mullein plants but also provide a cosy habitat for these charming bird species.
Hi,
When do Mullein lay eggs .
Also when is their cycle finished.
I tidy up plants & prune shrubs in Autumn but don’t want to damage our little friends in the process.
Thank you.
Hi Veronica,
Mullein moths lay eggs in late spring or early summer. Their life cycle lasts several weeks, including egg laying, caterpillar feeding, pupation, and moth emergence. When tidying up plants in autumn, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter Mullein moth eggs or caterpillars as they have usually completed their life cycle by then. However, it’s always good to check for any signs of them before pruning to avoid harming these beneficial insects.
Kind Regards
I have one Mullein moth caterpillar currently on my small wildflower bouquet. How do I make an environment do it to become a moth?
Hi Elisabeth,
Place the Mullein moth caterpillar in a ventilated container with fresh leaves of its preferred plants, and maintain a clean environment by replacing the leaves and removing droppings daily. When the caterpillar pupates, provide loose soil or paper towels for burrowing, then wait for the moth to emerge before releasing it outdoors.
What time of the year do the new moths appear out of the pupa? Is it true that sometimes they are in the pupa stage for up to five years? I have two pupa. They look perfectly formed inside their casings but they are not moving and have not turned into moths yet. Thank you for your reply.
Stella
Hi Stella,
Moths usually emerge from their pupal stage in spring or summer, but some species can remain in the pupa for years, waiting for ideal conditions. This dormancy, called diapause, helps them survive unfavorable environments. If your pupae look healthy but haven’t emerged, they might be waiting for the right temperature and humidity. Some moths can stay dormant for years, so they may still emerge when conditions improve.