The Mullein - Cucullia verbasci

Wingspan 45-50 mm. Forewing buff with dark brown stripes along leading and trailing edges, the latter cut by a thin pale line. At rest this moth looks like a dead plant stalk.

The species occupies a range of open habitats as well as gardens.

The normal flight period is April to May. The brightly coloured caterpillar is probably seen more often than the adult moth, which can sometimes be attracted to light.

The larval foodplants in the wild are various species of Mullein but it also feeds in gardens on Buddleia.

Distributed widely in England, most commonly in the south, and scarcer in Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)