Green Silver-spangled Shark

Cucullia argentea

Checklist Number
B089 [B&F: 2212]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Cuculliinae
Genus:Cucullia
Species:argentea
Authority:(Hufnagel, 1766)

Occurrence in the British Isles unconfirmed, this Widespread European species is included on the British list on the basis of two ancient specimens, one unlabelled, and one from Kent in 1932, a county that has, in the past, been the base for several dubious traders who have sold imported specimens as British at inflated prices. In Europe, occurs mainly from Switzerland and central Germany eastwards, with its northern limits in Jutland, the Baltic islands, and southern Finland (MBGBI Vol 10). Wingspan 41-45 mm. Larva feeds on Field Wormwood, Sea Wormwood and Mugwort, no evidence of breeding in the UK.