Spectacled Nettle Moth
Common NameSpectacled Nettle Moth
Scientific NameAbrostola tripartita
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, fens, riverbanks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantscommon nettle, hop
Flight PeriodMay to October (two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green with a pale stripe and feed on nettles. They overwinter as pupae in a cocoon spun among leaves or debris.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive raised tuft of scales on the thorax and the intricate, cryptic pattern of black lines and mottled brown/grey on the forewings. The 'spectacled' appearance refers to the markings near the leading edge of the forewing.
Description
This moth has mottled brown and grey forewings with distinct black lines and a prominent raised tuft of scales on the thorax. The hindwings are a uniform greyish-brown.
