Lettuce Shark

Cucullia lactucae

Checklist Number
B090 [B&F: 2215]

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:lactucae
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Occurrence in the British Isles unconfirmed, this western European species is included on the British list on the basis of one specimen labelled 'bred, Oxford District, June 3, 1900', but likely to have been collected in Switzerland in August 1899, and one reported at light at Stone, Buckinghamshire, on 21 July 1965, but the specimen was not retained so the record cannot be confirmed. Wingspan 44-48 mm. Differs from Shark C. umbratica and Chamomile Shark C. chamomillae by the presence of two black zigzag lines across centre of forewing. Larva feeds on Rough Sow-thistle, Perennial Sow-thistle, Garden Lettuce and Wall Lettuce, no evidence of breeding in the UK.