Shargacucullia verbasci Bentley Wood, Wiltshire – Adrian Hoskins
Introduction
In the United Kingdom, there are 45 representatives of the subfamily Cuculliinae, which includes the Brocades Blepharita spp, the Shoulder-knots Lithophane spp, the Sharks Cucullia spp, the Merveille du Jour Dichonia aprilina, and 3 Shargacucullia species i.e., the Striped Lychnis lychnitis, the Water Betony scrophulariae, and the Mullein verbasci.
Shargacucullia verbasci is a widespread and fairly common moth found across most of England and Wales. Beyond the UK, it occurs in western and central Europe, and in north Africa.
Habitats
This species is found in forests, parks, farmland, and scrubby grasslands.
Lifecycle
The egg is white. It is laid singly on the underside of leaves of the larval food plants. These include Scrophularia, Verbascum, and Buddleia. The larvae, like those of other Shargacucullia species, are white, with bright yellow blotches or bands, and numerous black spots. Pupation takes place in a tough earthen cocoon just below the surface of the ground. This species normally spends between 2-5 years in the pupal stage.
Adult
The adults emerge in May. They have reddish-brown forewings, and when at rest, resemble a piece of dead plant stalk.