Small Quaker
Common NameSmall Quaker
Scientific NameOrthosia cruda
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, willow, hawthorn, sallow
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with pale lines, feeding on deciduous tree leaves. They pupate in the soil over summer and winter, with adults emerging in early spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its early spring flight period, relatively small size, and reddish-brown or greyish-brown forewings with a distinct dark kidney-shaped (reniform) stigma. Males have slightly serrated antennae.
Description
A small, robust moth with a hairy, reddish-brown to greyish-brown body and forewings, often mottled with darker speckles and a prominent dark reniform stigma.
