Northern Drab (Orthosia opima, (Hübner, [1809]))

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.

Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti

Great Staughton

Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta

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

KR10042