Photo © David G Green

Blossom Underwing

Orthosia miniosa

Checklist Number
73.243 [B&F: 2183]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Hadeninae
Genus:Orthosia
Species:miniosa
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local in oak woodland and mature hedgerows throughout much of southern England and Wales, north to Cumbria, also appearing as a migrant in the south. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight reported from scattered localities, and can be locally fairly common, for example in the New Forest, with some records relating to immigration. Wingspan 32-38 mm. The main confusion species, Common Quaker O. cerasi, has subterminal line complete and pale; upper stigmata clearly outlined whitish; median fascia, when present, narrow and dark; hindwing fuscous (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on Sessile Oak and Pedunculate Oak; also polyphagous on various herbaceous plants, over-wintering as a pupa.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)