Shaded Broad-bar
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
Ryszard Szczygieł
Yellow Shell - Ryszard Szczygieł
Yellow Shell
Ryszard Szczygieł
Yellow Shell - Stuart Read
Yellow Shell
Stuart Read
Yellow Shell - Iain Leach
Yellow Shell
Iain Leach
Yellow Shell - Ann Collier
Yellow Shell
Ann Collier
Yellow Shell - Allan Drewitt
Yellow Shell
Allan Drewitt
Yellow Shell - Ilia Ustyantsev
Yellow Shell
Ilia Ustyantsev
Yellow Shell
Yellow Shell - Koen Thonissen
Yellow Shell
Koen Thonissen