Wavy yellow wings and meadow quests: Meeting the yellow shell moth

First named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the yellow shell moth (Camptogramma bilineata) is a colorful, medium-sized geometer moth (Geometridae) measuring 20 to 25 millimeters across. Dressed in shades of bright yellow, ochre, and warm brown with wavy lines, this handsome insect thrives in gardens, meadows, and grassy woodland edges across Europe and Asia. Unlike many moths that only come out in the dark, the yellow shell is active both day and night throughout the summer. Their caterpillars feed on common low-growing plants like dandelions, chickweed, and sorrel, hiding in the soil over winter before emerging as adults the following season. I patiently followed this moth from leaf to leaf in a flowery meadow near my home in Barkarby, Sweden. It finally rested still for a couple of minutes—just long enough for me to adjust my camera settings and snap some clear shots!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts of related arthropods

Photo taken on 05-09-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/100, ISO 125.
Camouflaged coats and nighttime feast: T...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/100, ISO 100.
Dalmatian wings and silken tents: The el...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f14, 1/50, ISO 160.
One spot or two? Meeting the world-trave...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/50, ISO 160.
Swedish meadow quest: Spotting a hidden ...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f14, 1/50, ISO 160.
Stained-glass wings and butterfly behavi...
Photo taken on 22-08-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f20, 1/200, ISO 250.
Color illusions and mud puddles: Meeting...
Scroll to Top

Would you prefer to hide close-up spider photos?
Wolisz ukryć zdjęcia pająków?
¿Ocultar fotos de arañas en primer plano?