Common Quaker
Orthosia cerasi
This record describes Orthosia cerasi (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 34-40 mm. Quite variable, there are forms with a plain ground colour and others with a darker band across the forewing, but all have large, rounded stigmata outlined paler. Has a wide range of lowland habitats, including woodland and gardens. The single generation flies in March and April, when it is often attracted to light. The foodplants of the larvae are Oak, Willow and other deciduous trees. The larva has a pale yellow band near the rear end which helps with identification. Widespread and common throughout Britain, except for the far north, where it is somewhat scarcer. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Orthosia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Has a wide range of lowland habitats, including woodland and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
The single generation flies in March and April, when it is often attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The foodplants of the larvae are Oak, Willow and other deciduous trees. The larva has a pale yellow band near the rear end which helps with identification.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common throughout Britain, except for the far north, where it is somewhat scarcer. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Orthosia cerasi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Quaker (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Quaker
What is Common Quaker?
Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Common Quaker found?
Habitat: Has a wide range of lowland habitats, including woodland and gardens.
When is Common Quaker active?
Common Quaker: seasonal activity - The single generation flies in March and April, when it is often attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Common Quaker?
The foodplants of the larvae are Oak, Willow and other deciduous trees. The larva has a pale yellow band near the rear end which helps with identification.