73.001 BF2450

The Spectacle Abrostola tripartita

(Hufnagel, 1766)

Wingspan 27-30 mm.

This moth derives its English name from the raised tufts of scales on the thorax, which resembles a pair of spectacles when viewed from the front.

It is a fairly common species throughout Britain, and is a regular visitor to light.

It has one or two generations, flying between May and September.

The larvae feed on nettle (Urtica dioica) and the species passes the winter as a pupa.