Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775))

Noctuidae: Hadeninae

2182 (ABH73.245) Small Quaker Orthosia cruda, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

pre-2000

2000-2009

2010-2019

2020-onwards

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Hemingford Grey, 8th April 2020.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Moreton-on Lugg, Herefordshire. 10th March 2022. Ligh trqp.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Peter Bissell

Early instar, green form on Salix, Brampton Wood, May 2012

Photo © Peter Bissell

General Information
Pupates in loose soil, usually close to a tree trunk.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found feeding during day

Forewing length: 12-15mm.
Foodplant(s): oaks (Quercus spp.), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), sallows (Salix spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Field Maple (Acer campestre)
Flying: One generation, late February-early May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, wooded areas and heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 101 (37.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in April 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 07 February to 19 June

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 12 May to 11 June

Similar Species

Old Weston

Blossom Underwing Orthosia miniosa

Great Staughton

Common Quaker Orthosia cerasi

Larva/Leafmine:

Larva Type:

Smooth

Colours:

Green, brown, white, yellow, black

No. of Proleg Pairs:

2182 (ABH73.245) Small Quaker Orthosia cruda, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR10039