AC THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



the Croydon district (?) ; and it has been recorded from Here- 

 fordshire and North Lancashire. 



The range abroad extends to East Siberia, Amurland, and 

 Japan. 



The Shark {CtuulUa umbratica). 



On the fore wings of this greyish species (Plate i6, Figs. 5 $ 

 and 6 9 ) there is some variation in the short black streaks on the 

 basal and outer areas, and in the dots around the stigma ; the 

 front margin is sometimes brownish tinged. The hind wings of 

 the female are always darker than those of the male. 



The caterpillar feeds on plants of the sowthistle {Sonchus) 

 kind, also on garden lettuce and the wild species. It may be 

 found in August and early September, but, as it feeds only at 

 night, it should be searched for in the daytime on the under- 

 sides of the lower leaves. In general colour it is ochreous 

 inclining to greyish, with an intricate raised pattern in blackish 

 on the upper surface ; the head is black, and there is a yellow 

 spotted sooty brown plate on the first ring of the body. 



The moth is to be seen in June and July, sitting on the upper 

 parts of palings, and other kinds of wooden fencing ; also on 

 tent pegs, etc. ; but it is not easy to detect even when its 

 whereabouts is indicated. At night it visits flowers of campion, 

 sweet william, honeysuckle, etc. 



Widely distributed throughout the British Isles to the 

 Orkneys, but seemingly more plentiful and regular in occur- 

 rence in the south of England than in the north. 



The Chamomile Shark {Cuctdlia chamomince). 



Although somewhat similar to the last species, this moth 

 may be distinguished by the more brownish tinge of its grey 

 fore wings. The hind wings are also brown-grey in both sexes, 

 but darkest in the female. 



