Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

View the NBN Atlas Map

73.053 BF2214

Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)


Wingspan 40-42 mm. Very similar to The Shark (C. umbratica), it can be told apart by the fringe of the hindwing, which has a darker central line running through the centre, forming a triple-banded effect. In umbratica, the fringe is all pale with just a single darker line on the inner edge.

It occurs reasonably commonly throughout England, Wales and into southern Scotland, but is rarer further north. Local in Ireland.

Flying from April to June, it can be found in roadside verges, wasteground and commons.

The caterpillars feed on various Compositae, including chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

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