Page 614 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Noctuidae
DISTRIBUTION Across Europe into Russia, Turkey, and the Caucasus; also
the Altai Mountains of central Asia
HABITAT Shady habitats, such as forests and woodland margins, glades,
and tracks up to 6,600 ft (2,000 m) elevation
HOST PLANTS Compositae, including Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Sonchus spp.
NOTE Eye-catching caterpillar that likes shady places
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ –2 in (40–50 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
2 in (50 mm)
CUCULLIA LACTUCAE
LETTUCE SHARK
612
(DENIS & SCHIFFERMÜLLER, 1775)

The caterpillars of the Lettuce Shark moth hatch from
conical-shaped, ridged eggs laid on the underside of leaves of
the host plant. The larvae feed on buds, flowers, and young
fruits and will move to the leaves if nothing else remains. Their
bright colors warn would-be predators of their unpleasant taste.
The mature caterpillars move to the ground to pupate in a
cocoon just below the surface of the soil. The pupa is orange
brown and overwinters.

The night- ying adult moths are on the wing from May to July
but are rarely attracted to light. During the day, they rest on tree
trunks. In the northern parts of the species’ range there is a single
generation, but to the south there may be a second generation

ying in August and September. The adults are very similar
in appearance to the Shark Moth (Cucullia umbratica) and the
Chamomile Shark (C. chamomillae).

The Lettuce Shark caterpillar has a white
background with a central dorsal stripe of either
yellow or orange between two rows of large, black
spots. A lateral stripe of, again, either yellow or
orange carries smaller black spots. The head,
true legs, and prolegs are black.

Actual size