Lesser Treble-bar - Aplocera efformata

Wingspan 35 to 41 mm. Very similar to the Treble-bar (A. plagiata), but can be separated by its slightly smaller size, paler ground colour, and the shape of the inner wingbar, which tends to be straighter and more sharply angled. In the male the claspers at the tip of the abdomen also differ. Treble-bar has elongated, pointed claspers giving rise to a narrow abdomen tip. Lesser Treble-bar has a blunter tip to the abdomen with rather shorter, curved claspers - see the image at: http://www.northumberlandmoths.org.uk/files/idtips/1867-treble-bar-1868-lesser-treble-bar-abdomens.jpg

Treble-bar

Areas where the larval foodplant is plentiful.

There are two generations, flying in May and June, then again in August and September.

Like its cousin, the larvae feed primarily on St. Johns-wort (Hypericum spp.).

The species has a more southerly distribution than A. plagiata, being common only in the very south. It occurs less commonly gradually northwards to northern England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).