Photo © David G Green

Northern Drab

Orthosia opima

Checklist Number
73.248 [B&F: 2184]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Hadeninae
Genus:Orthosia
Species:opima
Authority:(Hübner, [1809])

Local on saltmarshes, marshes, heathland, downland, golf courses and sand-dunes throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight much less common than formerly, with few recent records scattered through the three vice-counties, but perhaps overlooked amongst the myriad Clouded Drab. Wingspan 34-40 mm. Some of the darker, more unicolorous forms of Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta resemble the most common form of Northern Drab, f. brunnea but differ as follows: male antenna bipectinate; apex of forewing not pointed; subterminal line less conspicuous and less straight, particularly at extremities; cilia of hindwing pale fuscous (MBGBI Vol 9). Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti is another possible confusion species, but that species has forewing with costa less straight and apex more rounded. Larva feeds on Sallow, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Mugwort, Common Sea-lavender, herbaceous plants and woody 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)

No Larval records to show.