Powdered Quaker
Orthosia gracilis
This record describes Orthosia gracilis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35 to 40 mm. A quite variable species in colouration, but the row of dots between the kidney mark and the outer cross line helps with identification. The more widely varying individuals are usually those feeding on bog myrtle in Scotland and some southern parts of its range. Elsewhere, the larvae often feed on Willow and tend to be paler and less variable. Various habitats especially where the foodplants are present. Flying in April and May, the adults will come to light. Adults visit various flowers, including sallow blossom. Occurring widely in England, Wales and Ireland, less so in Scotland.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
Various habitats especially where the foodplants are present.
Seasonal Activity
Flying in April and May, the adults will come to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults visit various flowers, including sallow blossom.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring widely in England, Wales and Ireland, less so in Scotland.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 gracilis. 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 Powdered Quaker (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Powdered Quaker
What is Powdered Quaker?
Powdered Quaker (Orthosia gracilis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Powdered Quaker found?
Habitat: Various habitats especially where the foodplants are present.
When is Powdered Quaker active?
Powdered Quaker: seasonal activity - Flying in April and May, the adults will come to light..
What is the life cycle of a Powdered Quaker?
Adults visit various flowers, including sallow blossom.