Yorkshire Status: Increasingly uncommon resident.

In 1907 Porritt wrote "throughout the county and often in abundance". Alas this is no longer the case. Along with a lot of the Cucullinae, the larvae of this species feed on plants which like untidy brownfield sites, disturbed ground, and rough areas which haven't been "tidied up" or built on. The current "housing crisis" means that a lot of these sites are disappearing and the moths consequently suffer. The number of records of Shark submitted remain roughly the same, so when one takes into account the huge increase in records in general in recent years, this represents a slow and steady reduction. Records come from low-lying areas. It is rare in the uplands and in the west of the county. It tends to be seen in small numbers - 96% of our records are of just one or two moths. Do not confuse this species with the earlier and smaller Chamomile Shark. The black streaks do not extend into the fringes of the forewing outer margin in Shark.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Unlike most of, the other members of this genus this moth is recorded much more as an adult than as larvae. There are recent records from all five vice-counties but, although regular in some areas, it is rarely common.

Recorded in 101 (51%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1874. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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