Dark Spectacle
Common NameDark Spectacle
Scientific NameAbrostola triplasia
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, parks, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Humulus lupulus
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, primarily nettles. Larvae are green with pale stripes and feed on the leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the host plant or in leaf litter, with the species overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive dark 'spectacle' mark on the forewings, the overall mottled brown and grey coloration, and the slightly raised tufts of scales on the thorax. The hindwings are plain dark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown, grey, and reddish-brown forewings, characterized by a prominent dark 'spectacle' or 'figure-of-eight' mark near the leading edge. The hindwings are uniformly dark grey-brown.
