Noctuidae: Plusiinae

2449 (ABH73.002) Dark Spectacle Abrostola triplasia, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR09093

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Helens Bay, Northern Ireland
Helens Bay, Northern Ireland
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, 12th Aug. 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 12th Aug. 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 12th Aug. 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 12th Aug. 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species is similar to the Spectacle, but differs in having brownish-black ground colour, base of forewing dull straw colour and cross lines edged with red.

 

Pupates in a folded leaf of the food plant.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light but in small numbers only.

Forewing length: 14-18mm.
Foodplant(s): Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Common Hop (Humulus lupulus)
Flying: Two generations, June-July and late August-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Heathland, fens, woodland, scrub and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 33 (12.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 23 April to 10 October

Similar Species
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Spectacle Abrostola tripartita


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Green, brown, black, purple, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5