Photo © Mike Wall

Lead-coloured Drab

Orthosia populeti

Checklist Number
73.246 [B&F: 2185]

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:populeti
Authority:(Fabricius, 1781)

Local in broad-leaved woodland, parks and gardens throughout the British Isles; widely distributed across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, occasionally in good numbers. Wingspan 34-40 mm. The main confusion species is the highly variable Clouded Drab O. incerta, but Lead-coloured Drab has more rounded forewing and more distinct black dots on subterminal fascia, and is less variable and usually always predominately grey. Larva feeds within catkins of Aspen and Black Poplar, subsequently feeding on the leaves, 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)