Noctuidae: Hadeninae

2187 (ABH73.244) Common Quaker Orthosia cerasi, (Fabricius, 1775)

KR10044

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Small example, Great Staughton
Small example, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Small example, Great Staughton
Small example, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Small example, Great Staughton
Small example, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood NNR
Monks Wood NNR
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monmouthshire (Whitelye), 28th March 2015. Light trap.
Monmouthshire (Whitelye), 28th March 2015. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

Although this species has an extremely variable ground colour, most have large, rounded stigmata with a pale outline.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

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

Forewing length: 13-17mm.
Foodplant(s): birches (Betula spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, March-May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Almost everywhere.

Regional Information

Recorded in 121 (44.8%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 29 January to 06 December

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 09 May to 22 June

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Small Quaker Orthosia cruda
Old Weston
Old Weston
 Photo © Kevin Royles
Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa
Hemingford Grey, 14th March 2014. Male.
Hemingford Grey, 14th March 2014. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, yellow, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5