Written by Ad OpsOverview: What Growers Mean By “Mothman”
Mothman is the name of at least two distinct cannabis hybrids in current circulation: an autoflower line referenced in 2022 industry coverage and a photoperiod hybrid released by SoCal Seed Vault. The common thread is a hybridized indica/sativa heritage, but the cultivation behavior and release context differ by breeder. As of the early-to-mid 2020s, detailed public lab data for either line remains sparse, so most performance numbers come from breeder notes, grower reports, and benchmarks from closely related genetics.
The autoflower Mothman appeared in coverage of top auto releases for 2022, where a breeder named Dan was noted for pushing his lines, including Anvil F8 and the upcoming Mothman, toward a deep, consistent purple. This ties the “Mothman” name to the world of purple autos with anthocyanin-rich phenotypes. Conversely, SoCal Seed Vault’s Mothman is a photo-periodized hybrid marketed to provide a balanced indica/sativa experience.
For clarity, this article uses “Mothman (Auto)” when discussing the purple auto under development highlighted in 2022 coverage, and “Mothman (SoCal)” when describing the photoperiod hybrid attributed to SoCal Seed Vault. Where data is not breeder-confirmed, performance ranges are drawn from similar-class cultivars and reported grow outcomes. Throughout, we note what’s known, what’s inferred from related lines, and what growers should verify via small test runs.
History and Naming
The name Mothman likely nods to the American cryptid of West Virginia folklore—an ominous, winged figure often portrayed with reflective red eyes and nocturnal habits. For cannabis branding, the metaphor resonates with dark, purple-black coloration and impactful effects that “take flight” in the evening. It is a fitting moniker for a purple-forward autoflower and an evening-leaning hybrid.
Leafly’s 2022 roster of notable autoflower seeds referenced a breeder named Dan working Anvil F8 and a soon-to-be-released Mothman toward a deep, consistent glowing purple. Anvil itself is a widely respected purple auto line, best known for reliable color and sturdy structure. The association between Anvil’s lineage and a future Mothman suggests a developmental path focused on anthocyanin expression, rapid cycling, and punchy terpene profiles.
Separately, SoCal Seed Vault lists Mothman as an indica/sativa hybrid. SoCal’s catalog tends to focus on photoperiod hybrids with robust resin production and West Coast flavor archetypes. While public details on SoCal’s exact parentage for Mothman are limited, the company’s branding emphasizes a balanced experience appropriate for connoisseur smokers and extractors.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Context
For Mothman (Auto), the most concrete public clue is the 2022 mention linking it to Anvil F8’s color-stability push. Anvil derivatives tend to show strong purple phenotypes, high desirability in bag appeal, and relatively compact, sturdy plants. Autoflower genetics confer a ruderalis component, giving a fixed lifecycle of roughly 70–95 days from sprout to harvest in most indoor conditions.
The purple coloration in Anvil-like lines is driven by anthocyanin accumulation, which is partly genetic and partly environmental. Breeders aim for genotypes that color even without heavy temperature manipulation, but a day/night differential of 5–10°F (3–6°C) often enhances the intensity. The Mothman name, in this context, flags an intent: to stabilize color and flavor across filial generations, while keeping vigor and potency competitive with top modern autos.
For Mothman (SoCal), SoCal Seed Vault notes an indica/sativa hybrid heritage but does not publish the full pedigree. Given SoCal’s catalog trends, it is reasonable to expect modern polyhybrid influences—likely building on dessert, fuel, or grape-leaning terpene families. Until a breeder statement names specific parents, growers should evaluate this cultivar empirically, starting with small test runs before committing full canopy space.
Appearance and Morphology
Mothman (Auto) is described and depicted in breeder and community chatter as aiming for deep, consistent purple coloration—“glowing purple” in the 2022 write-up. In practice, this usually translates into calyxes that ripen to violet, plum, or near-black against lime-to-forest green fan leaves. Under dialed-in environments, sugar leaves can pick up a silvered frost with high trichome density, boosting bag appeal.
Autoflower morphology typically includes a dominant central cola with satellite spears unless trained. Expect a medium stature, often 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) indoors without high-stress training, with internodes that tighten as lighting intensity increases. Commercial LED PPFD at 700–1,000 µmol/m²/s in flower usually shortens internodes and explains more uniform bud stacking.
Mothman (SoCal) likely presents as a more flexible photoperiod bush, with a trainable canopy that responds well to topping and SCROG. Buds are expected to be dense, with trichome coverage geared toward extraction-grade resin. Color expression may vary widely by phenotype—some leaning green-silver, others showing purple fade late in flower if anthocyanin genes are present.
Aroma and Flavor
Early commentary around purple autos tied to Anvil often includes grape peel, berry jam, and sweet earthy notes, sometimes supported by fuel or spice. Mothman (Auto) is expected to follow this path, potentially adding darker fruit rind, cocoa dust, and a faint floral ether depending on phenotype. A typical jar note might evolve from sweet berry upfront to a warm, peppered finish after grind.
On the palate, many purple-forward cultivars coat the tongue with jammy sweetness and a resinous, slightly bitter cocoa or tea-tannin undertone. If limonene or ocimene pops in a given phenotype, the top note can brighten toward citrus zest or tropical floral. Dry pulls may feel vinous, even port-like, especially in phenotypes with persistent myrcene and linalool.
SoCal’s photoperiod Mothman, given the breeder’s flavor-forward reputation, likely emphasizes layered aromatics. Expect a combination of sweet berry, cream, and either peppered spice or a light gas backbone. Cure quality significantly affects the bouquet; well-managed moisture activity (aw 0.55–0.65) preserves terpenes and intensifies complexity over 2–6 weeks.
Cannabinoid Profile
Published, strain-specific lab data for Mothman are limited; however, we can bracket realistic ranges based on comparable modern hybrids. Well-bred autoflowers now routinely test between 18–24% THC in optimized indoor conditions, with exceptional phenotypes crossing 25%. Photoperiod hybrids commonly land in a similar or slightly higher range depending on cultivar and grower skill.
For Mothman (Auto), a prudent expectation for THC is the high-teens to low-20s in average home grows, rising into the 20–25% bracket under precision conditions, optimal PPFD, and careful fertigation. CBD in such purple autos is typically low (<1%), while minor cannabinoids like CBG often appear around 0.3–1.0%. These numbers vary with harvest timing; taking flowers later, at higher amber trichome percentages, can slightly shift the cannabinoid/terpene balance.
For Mothman (SoCal), there is a credible chance of 20–26% THC in top-tier indoor runs, with similar sub-1% CBD. Growers seeking a more functional effect can harvest earlier in the amber window to preserve a brighter experiential profile. As always, verify your particular phenotype through third-party lab testing to confirm potency and profile.
Terpene Profile
Total terpene content for modern, well-grown cannabis typically ranges from 1–3% by dry weight, with elite phenotypes occasionally reaching 4–5%. In purple-leaning autos related to Anvil, myrcene and beta-caryophyllene frequently feature as dominant terpenes, supported by limonene, linalool, and pinene. The resulting aroma spans berry jam, pepper-spice, citrus lift, and subtle floral or herbal coolness.
Myrcene often imparts earthy-sweet and ripe fruit tones and is associated with a relaxed body feel at higher concentrations. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid with CB2 receptor affinity, adds black pepper and clove edges while contributing to perceived anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene can brighten mood and add a lemon peel top note; linalool contributes floral calm; and alpha-pinene may lend clarity while counterbalancing couchlock.
For Mothman (SoCal), the terpene stack may skew similar to dessert-fuel hybrids, with myrcene/caryophyllene dominance and limonene or ocimene filling the high notes. If the phenotype expresses grape-leaning aromatics, expect supporting contributions from terpinolene or geraniol in trace amounts. Growers can influence outcomes by maintaining cool cure conditions (60–65°F/15.5–18°C, 58–62% RH), which helps preserve monoterpenes that volatilize readily above 68°F (20°C).
Experiential Effects
Mothman (Auto) is likely to deliver a hybrid experience that opens with a gentle cerebral lift and settles into a steady, body-forward relaxation. Terpenes like myrcene and linalool tend to deepen somatic calm, while limonene and pinene can keep the headspace from collapsing into lethargy. Many users may find it best suited for late afternoon through evening, depending on tolerance and harvest timing.
In contrast, Mothman (SoCal), as a photoperiod hybrid, may present a broader spectrum of effects across phenotypes. Some cuts will feel more uplifting and chatty for the first 30–60 minutes, followed by a tranquil, muscle-loosening finish. With higher THC phenotypes, expect strong potency; start low and titrate slowly, particularly for infrequent consumers.
Harvest decisions can meaningfully shift the experiential profile. Targeting mostly cloudy trichomes with minimal amber (0–5%) typically yields a brighter, more energetic expression. Allowing 10–20% amber promotes heavier body effects, more suited to sedation and deep relaxation.
Potential Medical Uses
While Mothman-specific clinical data are not available, its likely cannabinoid and terpene makeup aligns with common therapeutic targets. THC-dominant hybrids with meaningful myrcene and beta-caryophyllene often help with sleep onset, perceived muscle tension, and stress modulation. Users frequently report subjective benefits for neuropathic discomfort and post-activity soreness.
Beta-caryophyllene’s action at CB2 receptors has been associated in preclinical research with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Linalool and myrcene have shown anxiolytic and sedative-like properties in animal models, while limonene is studied for mood-elevating potential. In practice, individuals with stress-related insomnia may find Mothman (Auto) effective when harvested at 10–15% amber, whereas those seeking daytime functionality may prefer earlier harvest windows or more limonene-forward phenotypes.
For pain, observational and meta-analytic data suggest THC-rich cannabis can reduce pain intensity in some patients versus placebo, though effect sizes vary and tolerance is a consideration. Vaporized flower allows fast titration, with onset in minutes and duration of 2–4 hours, which aids dose finding. Patients should consult clinicians, start with low doses (e.g., 1–2 inhalations), and monitor outcomes, particularly if combining with other sedatives.
Context: Live Information and Naming Confusion
In 2022, Leafly’s coverage of standout autoflower seeds stated that “Dan’s currently breeding his Anvil F8 and soon-to-be-released Mothman strain to a deep, consistent glowing purple,” highlighting an autoflower project oriented around color stabilization. That blurb placed Mothman alongside Anvil, both emphasizing purple phenotypes and autoflower lifecycles. The reference is consistent with the broader push in the auto scene for reliable color, potency, and resin in sub-100-day cycles.
Separately, the SoCal Seed Vault catalog includes a Mothman hybrid labeled indica/sativa, indicating a photoperiod entry under the same name. Different breeders sometimes converge on identical names, especially when the name carries strong imagery and market appeal. For growers and buyers, the key is to verify breeder and seed source to ensure expectations align with the intended genetic and growth pattern.
If you are purchasing “Mothman,” ask explicitly whether it is the SoCal Seed Vault photoperiod hybrid or the purple autoflower line connected to the 2022 coverage. Autoflowers will not respond to photoperiod flips and will finish on their internal clock, while photoperiods demand a 12/12 schedule to initiate bloom. Getting this wrong can cost weeks of canopy time and significantly impact yield planning.
Cultivation Guide: Environment and Planning
Decide early which Mothman you are running—Auto or SoCal photoperiod—because environment, training, and scheduling differ. Autoflowers generally finish in 70–95 days from sprout, while photoperiods typically veg for 3–6 weeks and then flower for 8–10 weeks (56–70 days) after the 12/12 flip. In both cases, plan for a medium vigor hybrid capable of dense bud formation under appropriate light and VPD.
Set vegetative targets at 75–80°F (24–27°C) and 60–70% RH with a leaf VPD of 0.9–1.2 kPa. For flowering, shift to 68–77°F (20–25°C) and 45–55% RH to reduce botrytis risk, with a leaf VPD of 1.2–1.6 kPa. Maintain consistent air exchange, canopy-level oscillation fans, and HEPA/charcoal filtration if odor control is necessary.
Lighting intensity is critical for resin and yield. Aim for 400–700 µmol/m²/s PPFD in late veg and 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s in mid-to-late bloom for photoperiods without CO2 enrichment; autos often perform best at 700–1,000 µmol/m²/s peak to balance density and stress. Keep daily light integral (DLI) around 35–45 mol/m²/day in bloom for photoperiods and 30–40 mol/m²/day for autos, adjusting distance and dimming accordingly.
Cultivation Guide: Media, Nutrition, and Irrigation
Both versions of Mothman respond well to high-oxygen root zones. In soil/coco blends, use 20–30% perlite or pumice to promote drainage, and target a pH of 6.0–6.5 (soil: 6.2–6.8; coco: 5.8–6.2). Fabric pots in the 3–5 gallon (11–19 L) range are common indoors; autos often prefer 3 gallons to avoid oversaturation.
A simple nutrition program works reliably when paired with correct EC and runoff management. In veg, target 120–250 ppm N with an overall EC of 1.2–1.6; in bloom, reduce N while raising P and K, keeping EC around 1.8–2.2 depending on cultivar sensitivity. Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly; a rising runoff EC indicates salt accumulation that may call for a mild flush.
Irrigate to 10–20% runoff in coco and inert blends to prevent nutrient stratification; in living soil, water more gently to field capacity and rely on microbial mineralization. Keep oxygen high by avoiding standing water and ensuring regular dry-back. Autos dislike early overfeeding and overwatering—if in doubt, underfeed slightly in week 2–3 and increase gradually.
Cultivation Guide: Training and Canopy Management
Mothman (Auto) benefits from low-stress training (LST) and leaf tucking rather than aggressive high-stress techniques. If topping is attempted, do so once at the 4th node no later than day 18–21 from sprout to avoid yield loss from stall. Many growers prefer a single top and subsequent LST, or no top with a lateral tie-down to open the canopy and create 6–10 uniform colas.
Mothman (SoCal) is more flexible and can handle topping, mainlining, SCROG, and supercropping as needed. Topping twice during veg and weaving into a net can increase light intercept and maximize grams per square foot. Prune lower growth that sits permanently in the shade to reduce larf and improve airflow.
Defoliation should be measured and timed. For autos, remove only leaves that block prime bud sites or are clearly senescent; for photoperiods, a moderate defoliation at day 21 and day 42 of flower is common. Maintain 6–12 inches (15–30
