Noctuidae: Hadeninae

2184 (ABH73.248) Northern Drab Orthosia opima, (Hübner, [1809])

KR10042

Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Old Weston, May 2012
Old Weston, May 2012
 Photo © Kevin Royles


General Information

This species is very variable in colour.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 15-17mm.
Foodplant(s): sallows (Salix spp.), birches (Betula spp.), ragworts (Senecio spp.), Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), Common Sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, April-May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Local

Habitat

Open, damp places, saltmarsh, sand-dunes and heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 4 (1.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 04 April to 24 May

Similar Species
Hemingford Grey, 14th March 2014. Male.
Hemingford Grey, 14th March 2014. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, purple, yellow, white, green
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5