Noctuidae

73.248 Northern Drab Orthosia opima (Hübner, [1809])

Local

Similar species: Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta has a less angular forewing, with a more rounded wing tip and a slightly curving leading edge. Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti has a less angular forewing with a much more rounded wing tip and less distinct bar across it. The male has noticeably more feathered antennae.

Forewing: 15 to 17mm

Habitats: Open downland, heathland, marshes, saltmarsh and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth visits sallow and Blackthorn blossom and is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on sallows, birches, Burnet Rose, Dyer's Greenweed, ragworts, Mugwort, Common Sea Lavender and other deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil, resting inside the pupal case as a fully formed adult until it emerges in the spring.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Alder, oaks, heather, Bilberry and clovers.