Flies from dusk and regularly comes to light. The thorax is covered in fur which is piled up into a turret. The markings vary little with a dark blackish central band which contains an oval and kidney-shaped marking.

The adult feeds on flowers including the Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) and cultivated Sage. They overwinter as pupae.

Size and Family

  • Family – Silver and gold Ys, gems, brasses and allies (Noctuidae)
  • Small Sized
  • Wingspan Range – 30-34mm

Conservation status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Common nettle (Urtica dioica)

Habitat

A variety of habitats including gardens, hedgerows, ditches, woodland edges and disturbed ground.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
  • Well distributed and fairly frequent throughout Great Britain, the Isle of Man and Ireland as well as Jersey and occasionally on Guernsey. Not recorded from Shetland.
Spectacle - Derek Parker

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Spectacle - Derek Parker

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Spectacle - Iain Leach

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Spectacle - Patrick Clement

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Spectacle - Garry Barlow

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Spectacle - Derek Parker

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Spectacle - Ben Sale

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Spectacle - Clive Jones

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Spectacle - Koen Thonissen

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Spectacle - Koen Thonissen

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Spectacle - Koen Thonissen

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