Anthophila fabriciana
Anthophila fabriciana
Adult • Hillmorton, Rugby, W. Midlands • © Paul Nicholas

48.001 BF385

Anthophila fabriciana

(Linnaeus, 1767)


Wingspan 10-15 mm.

A small, but very common species, occurring throughout Britain.

It is sometimes referred to as the Nettle-tap.

It flies in the daytime from May throughout the summer, and can sometimes be found in large numbers around clumps of nettle (Urtica dioica), the larval foodplant.


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    Larva: (Description Ian. F. Smith):

    Foodplant: In untidy web on Urtica leaf. Most often on upper surface, causing it to fold up, but the reverse is often found. August to May and in June, July. 
    Length: 10 mm Head: Light brown. Posterior of capsule, adfrontal area and frons, blotched brownish black. Adfrontal suture thin dark brown line. Labrum reddish brown. Mouthparts white ventrally. 
    Prothorax (T1): Prothoracic shield brownish black divided by medial band concolorous with body. 
    Mesothorax (T2): Large black pinacula; one dorsal pair, one subdorsal, two lateral, one subventral. 
    Metathorax (T3): As T2. 
    Thoracic legs: Coxa with black collar, horseshoe shape, open on outer side. Femur and tibia black. Tarsus transparent light brown. 
    Body: Dull whitish green, lightly shagreened. Translucent, so anterior half darkened by viscera. 
    Spiracles: Small. Peritreme brown. 
    Abdominal pinacula: Prominent, large and black. Segments A1 to A8; two dorsal pairs (the posterior more widely spaced), one lateral, one subspiracular, one subventral, one basal. A9; one dorsal pinaculum, two fused lateral, one small subventral, one small basal. 
    Setae: Colourless transparent. 
    Anal plate: Concolorous with body, edged brownish black on anterior and laterally. Brownish black mark on anterior and medially. 
    Prolegs: Base coloured as body. Planta elongated, thin, whitish transparent. Crochets black.

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