3.002 Dark Spectacle Copyright Martin Evans
3.002 Dark Spectacle Copyright Martin Evans
3.002 Dark Spectacle and Spectacle Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 3.002 Dark Spectacle Copyright Martin Evans

Noctuidae

73.002 Dark Spectacle Abrostola triplasia (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Spectacle Abrostola tripartita has a warmer more marbled ground colour and the markings at the base of the forewing and in the trailing corner are white rather than straw coloured. There is a warm dark grey (rather than grey-black) form of Spectacle that lacks the white markings.

Forewing: 14 to 18mm

Habitats: Woodland clearings, hedgerows, marshes, fens, river margins, coastal cliffs, disused quarries, wasteground and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes sparingly to light. It nectars at Red Valerian and other flowers.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Common Nettle and Hop. It pupates in a folded leaf of the foodplant.