Mamestra
A genus of thick-bodied moths, belonging to the Noctuae, or Night Moths, and including six species, which vary in breadth of wing from 1 1/2in. to 1 3/4in. All the moths are dark-coloured, with distinct lines or spots; and the larvae are dull-coloured, usually some shade of green or brown. The larvae feed on low plants, and in gardens are very hurtful to salad plants and potherbs. When full fed, they burrow in the ground, and form earthen cocoons, in which they become pupae in autumn, to emerge as moths in the following spring. Though several species are injurious, the most hurtful in gardens is the Cabbage Moth (M. Brassicae), which eats its way into the hearts of Cabbages, and can hardly be removed in any way short of cutting up the Cabbages. The same larva eats the leaves of Dahlias, Pelargoniums, and other garden flowers. See also Cabbage Caterpillars.