The Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae) is a common European moth of the family Noctuidae.
This species varies considerably in size, with a wingspan of 34–50 mm. The fore wings are brown and mottled with a prominent white-edged stigma and a broken white sub terminal line. The hind wings are grey, darker towards the termen. The prominent spur on the tibia of the foreleg is a diagnostic feature, though is best viewed with a magnifying lens. This moth has a rather complex life history: two or three broods are produced each year and adults can be seen at any time from May to October, occasionally at other times [The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range. ]. It flies at night and is attracted to light, sugar and nectar-rich flowers.
The larva is green or brown with dark spots. As the common and scientific names suggest, it can be a pest of cultivated brassicas but it feeds on a wide range of other plants . Due to its complex life history, this species overwinters either as a larva or a pupa
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