Photo © Mike Wall

Dark Spectacle

Abrostola triplasia

Checklist Number
73.002 [B&F: 2449]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Plusiinae
Genus:Abrostola
Species:triplasia
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Common in a wide range of habitats, including river-banks, hedgerows and gardens throughout the British Isles, but rare in Scotland; far less numerous and less widely distributed in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight than Spectacle A. tripartita. Wingspan 34-40 mm. Similar to A. tripartita, but ground-colour is brownish black, base of forewing is dull straw or reddish brown and cross-lines are edged with reddish brown (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle and Hop, over-wintering as a pupa.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)