Behrens's Quaker
Common NameBehrens's Quaker
Scientific NameOrthosia behrensiana
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorslight brown, beige, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia to California, east to Idaho and Montana)
Host Plantsoak, willow, poplar, cherry, maple
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs in spring, then pupate in the soil, overwintering as pupae before adults emerge in early spring.
Identification TipsLook for the light brown, speckled forewings with prominent dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots, often with a dark basal dash. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with light brown to beige forewings heavily speckled with dark brown, featuring distinct dark-outlined reniform and orbicular spots.
