Noctuidae

73.0527 Marigold Shark Cucullia calendulae Treitschke, 1835

Immigrant

Similar species: Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae has similar outer wing markings with the veins entering the fringe, but with less defined forewing markings which includes a lack of dark markings around the kidney mark. Any moth that looks like a Chamomile Shark, but found well after its flight time (from October until April), should be retained to check the genitalia.

Forewing: 18 to 21mm

Habitats: In Europe it inhabits arable field margins, road verges, wasteground and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Field Marigold, Pot Marigold, Yarrow, Chamomile, Mayweed and Cladanthus arabicus. It pupates in a tough soil-covered cocoon under the soil.