Blossom Underwing
Common NameBlossom Underwing
Scientific NameOrthosia miniosa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsorange, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens, heathland edges
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, sallow, hawthorn, cherry
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in spring. Larvae are green with pale lines and feed from May to July, then pupate in an earthen cocoon underground, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bright reddish-orange forewings with a distinct, somewhat diffuse, darker wavy pattern and a pale subterminal line. The overall warm coloration helps differentiate it from other *Orthosia* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with warm reddish-orange to ochreous-brown forewings, marked with darker, wavy cross-lines and a pale subterminal line. The hindwings are greyish-brown.
