Photo © Mike Wall

Common Quaker

Orthosia cerasi

Checklist Number
73.244 [B&F: 2187]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Hadeninae
Genus:Orthosia
Species:cerasi
Authority:(Fabricius, 1775)

Common often abundant, in a wide range of low-land habitats, including woodland and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-40 mm. A very common early spring visitor to light traps, distinguished from the equally common Small Quaker O. cruda by the relatively large size and large orbicular stigma; and from Blossom Underwing O. miniosa by its complete and pale, upper stigmata clearly outlined whitish, median fascia, when present, narrow and dark, and hindwing fuscous (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on various herbaceous trees and shrubs, including Oak, Sallow, Birch, Elm, Hawthorn and Hazel, 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)