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

Caterpillar Food Plants

Cleavers and other bedstraws, Chickweed, Sea Wormwood, docks, sorrels and Dandelion.

Habitat

Frequents many lowland habitats, especially hedgerows, gardens and meadows.  Also found in urban areas, woodland rides, downland, heathland, moorland and wetland habitats.

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.
 
 Yellow Shell - Ryszard Szczygieł

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Ryszard Szczygieł

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Stuart Read

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Iain Leach

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Ann Collier

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Allan Drewitt

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Ilia Ustyantsev

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell by Les Hill

Yellow Shell

Yellow Shell - Koen Thonissen

Yellow Shell


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