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
Spectacle
Derek Parker

Spectacle - Derek Parker
Spectacle
Derek Parker

Spectacle - Iain Leach
Spectacle
Iain Leach

Spectacle - Patrick Clement
Spectacle
Patrick Clement

Spectacle - Garry Barlow
Spectacle
Garry Barlow

Spectacle - Derek Parker
Spectacle
Derek Parker

Spectacle - Ben Sale
Spectacle
Ben Sale

Spectacle - Clive Jones
Spectacle
Clive Jones

Spectacle - Koen Thonissen
Spectacle
Koen Thonissen

Spectacle - Koen Thonissen
Spectacle
Koen Thonissen

Spectacle - Koen Thonissen
Spectacle
Koen Thonissen