The Mullein is more often found in the caterpillar stage than as an adult but can be seen when attracted to light.

Flight Season

Flies from April to May in one generation.

Size and Family

  • Family – Noctuidae
  • Medium Sized
  • Wingspan Range – 45-50mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Caterpillars in the wild feed on species of mullein (Verbascum) and in gardens, on Buddleia.

Habitat

A variety of open habitats, including gardens.

Distribution

  • Countries – England and Wales
  • Distributed widely in England, most commonly in the south, and scarcer in Wales.
The Mullein - Bob Eade

The Mullein

The Mullein - Patrick Clement

The Mullein

The Mullein - Ben Sale

The Mullein

The Mullein - Ben Sale

The Mullein

The Mullein - Ben Sale

The Mullein

The Mullein - Sue Davies

The Mullein

The Mullein (Up close) - Rachel Scopes

The Mullein (Up close)

The Mullein (young caterpillar) - Vlad Proklov

The Mullein (young caterpillar)

The Mullein (caterpillar) - Bob Eade

The Mullein (caterpillar)

The Mullein (caterpillar) - Vlad Proklov

The Mullein (caterpillar)

The Mullein (caterpillar) - Patrick Clement

The Mullein (caterpillar)

The Mullein (Feeding Damage) - Andrew Cooper

The Mullein (Feeding Damage)