Noctuidae: Cuculliinae

2221 (ABH73.058) Mullein Cucillia verbasci (=Shargacucullia), (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR09233

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, June 2007
Hemingford Grey, June 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex larva on Black Mullein, 15-06-2021. Hemingford Grey.
ex larva on Black Mullein, 15-06-2021. Hemingford Grey.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey, 1st July 2019. Final instar on Black Mullein
Hemingford Grey, 1st July 2019. Final instar on Black Mullein
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, June 2007
Hemingford Grey, June 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Over Cutting, Cambs., June 2005
Over Cutting, Cambs., June 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates underground for up to five years.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 19-24mm.
Foodplant(s): mulleins (Verbascum spp.), figworts (Scrophularia spp.), buddleas (Buddlea spp.)
Flying: One generation, late April-May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Open, dry, grassland, woodland and scrub, usually with disturbed ground.

Regional Information

Recorded in 58 (21.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 31 March to 11 July

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 13 May to 21 July

Recorded date range (Egg): 21 May to 21 May

Similar Species
Star-wort Cucullia asteris


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
Grey, blue, green, black, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5