Noctuidae

73.246 Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti (Fabricius, 1781)

Local

Similar species: Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta has less rounded wing tips and the males have less feathered antennae. Northern Drab Orthosia opima has a more distinct dark central bar across its more angular forewing which has pointed wing-tips. The males have less feathered antennae.

Forewing: 15 to 17mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland and gardens where poplars are numerous.

Habits: The moth is attracted to sallow blossom and occasionally to sugar. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds when small within the catkins of Aspen, Black Poplar and sometimes other poplars. It later eats the leaves, hiding in the day between leaves spun flat together. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil, resting inside the pupal case as a fully formed adult until it emerges in the spring.