Powdered Quaker
Common NamePowdered Quaker
Scientific NameOrthosia gracilis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorslight brown, grey, tan
HabitatDamp woodlands, fens, marshes, heathland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, extending east to Russia and parts of Asia, North Africa
Host Plantswillow, sallow, bog-myrtle, birch, heather, hawthorn, blackthorn, oak
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in spring, larvae feed from May to July, and pupation occurs in the soil over winter, with adults emerging the following spring.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic 'powdered' appearance of the forewings, the distinct dark-outlined kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) stigmata, and its early spring flight period. Males have noticeably pectinate (comb-like) antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale greyish-brown to reddish-brown forewings, often appearing 'powdered' with darker speckles. It features prominent, dark-outlined reniform and orbicular stigmata.
