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).