Yellow Shell
Scientific name: Camptogramma bilineata
May - August. Britain and Ireland. A medium-sized, orange-yellow moth with fine brown wavy lines on the wings. Found in fields, meadows and gardens. Darker races occur on some islands.
The intricate and wavy pattern on this unmistakeable moth resembles that of some seashells giving the moth its name. There is some geographic variation in colour, from yellow to brown, but the brighter forms are more frequent with the darkest forms occurring on some of the Blasket Islands off the coast of Co. Kerry. Frequently disturbed during the day and flies from dusk onwards.
Size and Family
- Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
- Medium Sized
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Cleavers and other bedstraws, Chickweed, Sea Wormwood, docks, sorrels and Dandelion.
Distribution
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
- Well distributed and common throughout the British Isles but less frequent in upland areas. A slightly smaller and darker form with more orange in the wings is found on Shetland and the Outer Hebrides and another which varies in colour from yellow to orange-brown can be found in parts of south-west Ireland.
Habitat
Frequents many lowland habitats, especially hedgerows, gardens and meadows. Also found in urban areas, woodland rides, downland, heathland, moorland and wetland habitats.
