The Mullein
The Shark is very similar to the Camomile Shark but usually larger in size and greyer, with shorter black streaks on the forewing tips.
The adults come to light and feed at the flowers of Honeysuckle, Red Valerian and Rhododendron. The larvae can be found from July to early September, feeding at night and hiding under the lower leaves on the foodplant during the day. They overwinter as pupae underground.
Size and Family
- Family – Sharks, shoulder-knots, chestnuts, sallows and allies (Noctuidae)
- Medium Sized
- Wingspan – 44-52mm
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common
Caterpillar Food Plants
The flowers and leaves of sow-thistles, wild lettuces, hawk’s-beards and hawkweeds.
Habitat
Usually found in open country, including urban gardens, chalk and limestone grassland, marshes, coastal sand-dunes and shingle beaches.
Distribution
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
- Common and well distributed in England, Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Local on the Isle of Man and in Scotland including the Hebrides.
Shark - Ryszard Szczygieł
Shark
Ryszard Szczygieł
Shark - Ryszard Szczygieł
Shark
Ryszard Szczygieł
Shark - Ilia Ustyantsev
Shark
Ilia Ustyantsev
Shark - Tapio Kujala
Shark
Tapio Kujala
Shark - Ben Sale
Shark
Ben Sale
Shark - Rachel Scopes
Shark
Rachel Scopes
Shark - Garry Barlow
Shark
Garry Barlow
Shark - Patrick Clement
Shark
Patrick Clement