Spectacle Moths

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Scientific name:  Abrostola tripartita

Size:  Wingspan approximately 30mm

Distribution:  Found in most parts of the UK

Months seen:  May to July.  Larvae found from July to September

Habitat:  Gardens, farmland, woodland edges and meadows

Food:  Larvae feed on nettles

Special features:  Spectacle Moths get their name from the tufts of hair on the thorax which, when viewed from the front, resembles a pair of goggles or spectacles.

The larvae are light green in colour with white stripes on the back and a dusting of white dots on the sides.  They grow to about 35mm in length.

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