Small Quaker
Orthosia cruda
This record describes Orthosia cruda (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 25-30 mm. Distinguished from other early Noctuids by its small size, usually light colour and plain appearance of forewing which has a rough appearance caused by a dusting of black scales. Deciduous woodland and areas with scattered trees. The adults fly in March and April, feed on Willow and are attracted to light. The larvae feed in the early summer on a number of deciduous trees, including Oak and Willow. A fairly common species over much of Britain. 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
Deciduous woodland and areas with scattered trees.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in March and April, feed on Willow and are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in the early summer on a number of deciduous trees, including Oak and Willow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly common species over much of Britain. 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 cruda. 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 Small Quaker (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Quaker
What is Small Quaker?
Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Small Quaker found?
Habitat: Deciduous woodland and areas with scattered trees.
When is Small Quaker active?
Small Quaker: seasonal activity - The adults fly in March and April, feed on Willow and are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Small Quaker?
The larvae feed in the early summer on a number of deciduous trees, including Oak and Willow.