The Shark
Cucullia umbratica
This record describes Cucullia umbratica (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 42 to 52 mm. Similar to Chamomile Shark ( C. chamomillae ) but one distinguishing feature from that species is the fringe of the hindwing, which in the present species has two bands, one pale and one grey, whereas in C. chamomillae , there is a triple-banded effect. The flight period is also a useful guide. Various habitats, especially in the vicinity of the larval foodplant. Flying later in the season than the similar Chamomile Shark ( C. chamomillae ), it is on the wing in June and July. The larval foodplants are mainly species of sow-thistle. Inhabiting a range of open habitats and suburban areas, this species is quite well distributed over much of Britain, though it is less common in Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Cuculliinae
- Genus
- Cucullia (Hooded Owlets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, especially in the vicinity of the larval foodplant.
Seasonal Activity
Flying later in the season than the similar Chamomile Shark (
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are mainly species of sow-thistle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Inhabiting a range of open habitats and suburban areas, this species is quite well distributed over much of Britain, though it is less common in Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cucullia umbratica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of The Shark (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Shark
What is The Shark?
The Shark (Cucullia umbratica) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Shark found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially in the vicinity of the larval foodplant.
When is The Shark active?
The Shark: seasonal activity - Flying later in the season than the similar Chamomile Shark (.
What is the life cycle of a The Shark?
The larval foodplants are mainly species of sow-thistle.