Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda) | Species | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Taken at Aston, Oxon., on March 21st 2025. (© David Hastings) (1/320th sec at f/10) DescriptionFamily: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.245) Wing span: 24 - 30mm This species is distinguished from other early spring noctuids by its small size, usually light colour, and plain appearance of its forewing. The forewing is dusted with black scales, giving a rough appearance. It is well distributed in Britain north to southern Scotland, and is more local further north. It is local in Ireland. It is mainly found in broad-leaved woodland, but also occurs in hedgerows and gardens. There is one generation per year, from late February to early May. It over-winters as a pupa in an underground cocoon. Larvae mainly feed on oaks, as well as Downy Birch, sallows, Hazel, Field Maple and Sweet Chestnut. It comes to light, often in numbers, and feeds at sugar and sallow catkins. Earliest UK sighting: 21st February ; Latest UK sighting: 6th April Sightings
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