The Shuttle-shaped Dart is small compared to most other darts in the Agrotis genus. There is a considerable difference between males and females. The male has light wings with dark markings, as can be seen in the top pictures. The circular spot is light too and often hard to see and sometimes invisible. The kidney spot however is dark and clearly stands out clearly. In females this is reversed, as depicted in the bottom photographs. She has dark wings. Her kidney spot is dark too and hardly visible. Her round spot however is light and strikingly present. By the way: the round spot looks like an oval, which has been pulled into two directions. Even though few moths are rather similar in wing markings, none of those has the striking light grey hairs on the thorax. The wing span of the Shuttle-shaped Dart varies little from 30 to 33mm.
The eggs are being laid from April onwards in big groups on leaves of the food plants. The Shuttle-shaped Dart flies in two and probably even three generations a year. And because the species overwinters being a larva, the caterpillars can be found all year long. During the night the caterpillars can be seen feeding on the host plant. During the night they rest in a little hole in the ground. The same hole is used to pupate in. This happens in a light cocoon and takes some three to four weeks only. The caterpillar is of an undefined kind of brown. It has a vague, grey dorsal line. Several faint lines are found on both sides. The head is brown showing small black markings. It is extremely similar to the caterpillar of the Heart and Dart. The behaviour of the caterpillar of the Shuttle-shaped Dart differs from that of most other Agrotis species. While most eat the roots of the foodplants, this species feeds on the leaves.It prefers low growing plants and loves dandelions and dock, but other plants are eaten too and the caterpillar is occassionally found on lettuce. It reaches a length of 30 to 34mm once full grown.
Because the broods of the Shuttle-Shaped Dart are overlapping, the species is on the wing for a long time indeed. The first are seen in April, the last are on the wing in October. It flies by night only, but happily visits flowers in gardens. This species is, like many other Agrotis species, extremely interested in Buddleija. Both male and female are attracted to light and sugar. It is a good model for photographers during the day and may even be manipulated up to a certain extend. This species loves open territories, including roughs, light forests, parks and gardens. Widespread and common in Wales and the southern half of England. Extremely rare in Ireland. No records from northern England, nor from Scotland. Very common on the continent, except for northern parts.
It is virtually impossible to wrongly identify the Flame. It is coloured like wood with black patches. When resting the wings are curled around the body. The animal then really resembles a burnt chip of wood. Not many Owlet Moths assume this position when resting. Grassmoths and Footmen do rest in a similar position, but usually they are smaller and have a lighter colour. Flames which have just landed or are preparing for take off do sit in the usual Noctuid position. The wingspan varied from 30 to 36mm.
The eggs are being laid from June to late August. They are being deposited in large groups on the underside of a leaf of the hostplant. They hatch quickly, normally after about one week. The caterpillars usually feed by night only, but are sometimes seen during the day actively munching away at leaves. Very few animals already pupate in July and are seen as adult moths in August. This so-called autumn generation is very small though. Most caterpillars pupate in August. They dig a hole in the ground. Inside they spin a firm cocoon which is strengthened with earth and grains of sand. The pupa overwinters. The caterpillar is greyish green or greyish greenbrown and tapers towards the head. It grows to a length of 34 to 38mm. It feeds on a series of green plants, usually low growing, such as docks, dandelions, bedstraws, dead-nettles, goosefoots and hound's tongues.
The Flame is on the wing from mid-May to mid-July. From mid-July to the end of August there might be a very small second generation. The Flame flies and feeds during the night only. It is seen in the evening hours on flowers in the garden, though. Is attracted to light and to sugar. Has no preferencesd when it comes to soil. Because of the foodplants it prefers open areas, including farmland, hedges, parks, gardens and roughs. A common species in England, Wales and Ireland. A local species in both southern Scotland and the Hebrides.
The Flame Shoulder is a rather unmistakable Noctuid. The basic colour varies from reddish brown to greyish brown. Along the front edges of the forwings runs a light whittish greyish line, followed by a very dark smear. Within the dark smear are the silvry white kidney marks and round marks. Except for a few faint markings near the edge of the wing the remainder of the wings is extremely plain. The hindwing is greyish. The only similar species is Radford's Flame Shoulder, but this is an extremely rare immigrant. The species can best be told apart by looking at the hindwings, which are brighter white in the case of Radford's Flame Shoulder. Reaching a wingspan of some 35 mm the Flame Shoulder is a rather small species.
Usually the second brood deposits the eggs in August and September. The eggs hatch very quickly and the larvae grow quickly as well. By the end of October they'll dig a small hole in the ground. In this hole they spin a cocoon in which pupation takes place. It is the pupa overwintering. In April the first fresh moths can be seen. The caterpillar is extremely difficult to find. It feeds during the night and hides among low growing plants during the day. It is not very striking at all. Usually it is light brown, sometimes greenish brown. The dorsal line is dark and on each side run two very tiny whitish lines. The head is orange brown, often a good characteristic. The larva of the Flame Shoulder varies from 32 to 35 mm in length. It feeds on low growing plants exclusively, including dandelion, knotgrass, groundsels and plantains. In agriculture uncommonly a pest in beets.
The Flame Shoulder only flies by night, but is attracted to flowers in gardens and to light. Can be found all over Britain, including Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. It has three broods in Southern Europe, is double-brooded in Central Europe, including England, Ireland and Wales. In Northern Europe, such as Scotland and Scandinavia it is single-brooded. Even though the Flame Shoulder is a resident in Central and Northern Europe, numbers are reinforced by immigrants from the south in spring and summer. Some animals probably even migrate back to Southern Europe in autumn.
In the USA the Flame-shouldered Dart is found. For a long time it was believed to be the same species, but in 1998 it was established to be a different species: Ochropleura implecta. Many books and web sites still call it the Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta), though.
The Large Yellow Underwing is a rather big, very variable Noctuid. It belongs to the underwings, a group of Owlet Moths with rather dull frontwings and very colourful underwings. Male and female differ from one another. Males have dark upperwings, usually brownish, greyish or even blackish and the wings are marbled. The upperwings of the females are much lighter (yellowish brown or greyish) and almost unmarbled. All animals depicted on our site are females. A characterisc feature is the small black spot near the tip of the wing. The underwings though are conclusive: entirely yellow with the exception of a rather small blackish band near the edge. Other yellow underwings always have some more black smears or spots in the yellow. The only similar species, the Lesser Yellow Underwing, is always smaller. The Large Yellow Underwing has a wingspan ranging from 5 to 6 cm.
From July onwards the eggs are being laid, often in large groups, on grasses and other low plants. They don't hatch till the end of August or September. The young caterpillars are active during the day. Usually they first eat the egg shell. Then they spin a tiny wire, which they hold up in the air. The wind catches these wires and lifts up wire and caterpillar and disperses them over a vast area. This is similar to what happens to some spiderlings. Once arrived on a suitable host, the larvae start eating, mould and then change into creatures of the night, hiding underground during the day. It is the caterpillar of the Large Yellow Underwing overwintering, but they stay active during mild nights. The larvae are greyish brown or greenish brown. They have a faint dorsal line on the back and a white line and black spots over the sides. The head is brown, usually with two black lines running from the back to the tip of the head. The caterpillars feed on grasses and other herbaceous plants, such as dandelion. They'll reach a length of some 5 cm. Pupation takes place in a cocoon underground in May.
The Large Yellow Underwing is on the wing for a long time and the animals may live for several months on end. The first appear in April. The number of animals quickly rise by the end of May and don't drop off untill the middle of September. Some individuals are seen as late as November. This species sometimes oversummers, which means during a hot period it may rest, sometimes up to three weeks. The Large Yellow Underwing usually flies by night only, but by using a torch it may be seen in common gardens visiting Buddleia or Valerian. They are easily attracted to light. Photographers might find one oversummering. These animals are ideal models, for they don't move at all and may even be handled. In other periods they might sit still, but do take off unexpectedly. One of the most common Noctuids in Europe, including all of Britain, and often found in very great numbers.
This species is unmistakable. Both upperwing and underwing are quite unique, supposing Langmaid's Yellow Underwing is not present in Britain. For up to 1991 the Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing and Langmaid's were considered to be one and the same species. The presence of Langmaid's in Britain remains uncertain. The Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing reaches a wingspan of 34 to 44 mm.
The eggs are being laid in July and August, but they hatch in September. The larvae feed at night and rest during the day, usually close to the ground. In this stage they are usually found on low-growing herbaceous plants. The half-grown caterpillar overwinters just above the ground. In early spring they start eating again. Many remain on fresh plants near the ground, but quite a large number now moves into trees and shrubs. By the end of April they all go to the ground again and dig a little hole, in which they pupate in a light cocoon. The caterpillars of the Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing are brown and have a faint yellowish white dorsal line. Furthermore there are arrow shaped markings on the back. These are most pronounced on the segments 10 and 11. They have a brown head. The larvae grow to a length of 37 to 40 mm. From summer to winter we find them in all kind of low growing herbaceous plants. In spring they can still be found there, but in trees (birches) and bushes (bramble, blackthorn) as well.
The Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing mainly flies about in July and August. They are on the wing not only during the night, but in broad daylight as well. May even feed on garden flowers in bright sunshine. The animal is attracted to both light and sugar. A very common species all over Europe, including all of Britain.
The Copper Underwing is a big and striking species, especially when showing its orange underwing. There is only one similar species, but alas it is almost identical: Svensson's Copper Underwing. There are a few very subtle differences in the markings on the upperwings, but these are hard to see and do not always provide you with certainty. The underwing and the body of the Copper Underwing are more contrasting than those of Svensson's Copper Underwing, which is more or less a good method of telling them apart. Yet seeing which is which is sometimes difficult even for experts. In both species the small and white outlined circular spot may be absent. The Copper Underwing reaches a wingspan of 47 to 54mm.
The eggs are being laid from September onwards on twigs or the bark of the foodplant. They are deposited either one by one or in very small groups. They overwinter and hatch next spring. The caterpillars are found in April and May mainly. In June they go underground, where they spin a cocoon in which pupation takes place. After some two months the new adults appear. The caterpillar is bold and green and has a hump on the 11th segment. This hump ends in a triangular point. This point is yellow in the Copper Underwing and red in Svensson's. Over the spiracula runs a striking line. It consists of two colours: the upper part is green, the lower part is white. This line is not visible on segments 4 and 5. The caterpillar reaches a length of 37 to 42mm. It lives on various deciduous trees, such as oak, honeysuckle and ash.
The Copper Underwing is on the wing from August to mid-October. It is attracted to light, but more so by sugar. In the wild often seen sucking on bleeding trees. Very keen visitors to gardens with Buddleija. It flies by night only, but is regularly encountered during the day, resting in crevices of bark, nesting boxes, sheds or even homes. Often you will see them resting in small groups consisting of Copper Underwings and Svennson's Copper Underwings. Is easily photographed when resting. Some specimens can be handled as well, others fly off very quickly. Common in the southern half of England and Wales, but also common in the Midlands and in Ireland. Elsewhere scarce, but found as far north as Morayshire. Very common on the continent as well, except for the far north.
Svensson's Copper Underwing has a beautiful warm orange underwing. There is only one similar species, but alas it is almost identical: the Copper Underwing. There are a few very subtle differences in the markings on the upperwings, but these are hard to see and do not always provide you with certainty. The underwing and the body of the Copper Underwing are more contrasting than those of Svensson's, which is more or less a good method of telling them apart. Yet seeing which is which is sometimes difficult even for experts. In both species the small and white outlined circular spot may be absent. Svensson's Copper Underwing reaches a wingspan of 47 to 56mm.
The eggs are being laid from August onwards on twigs or the bark of the foodplant. They are deposited either one by one or in very small groups. They overwinter and hatch next spring. The caterpillars are found in April and May mainly. In June they go underground, where they spin a cocoon in which pupation takes place. After some two months the new adults appear. The caterpillar is bold and green and has a hump on the 11th segment. This hump ends in a triangular point. This point is yellow in the Copper Underwing and red in Svensson's. Over the spiracula runs an uninterrupted line. It consists of two colours: the upper part is green, the lower part is white. The caterpillar reaches a length of 33 to 38mm. This makes it shorter than the caterpillar of the Copper Underwing, but usually it is fatter too. It lives on various deciduous trees, such as oak, birch, sallow and lime.
Svensson's Copper Underwing is on the wing from mid-June to the end of September. It is attracted to light, but more so by sugar. In the wild often seen sucking on bleeding trees. Very keen visitors to gardens with Buddleija. It flies by night only, but is regularly encountered during the day, resting in crevices of bark, nesting boxes, sheds or even homes. Often you will see them resting in small groups consisting of Copper Underwings and Svennson's Copper Underwings. Is easily photographed when resting. Some specimens can be handled as well, others fly off very quickly. Common in the southern half of England and Wales, but also common in the Midlands and in Ireland. Elsewhere scarce, but found as far north as Glasgow. Very common on the continent as well, except for the far north.
The Pine Beauty is a beauty indeed! The basic colour varies from greyish to reddish brown. Especially in fresh animals the scales glisten and many give the impression of being made of silver. Most striking though are the big kidney mark and impressive round mark. Both are white and extended on one side. The round spot is extended at the top side. The extension runs towards and often reaches the kidney spot. The kidney spot itself has an extension towards the tip of the wing on the lower side. The wingspan is 32 to 40mm. This species is unmistakable.
The eggs are being laid in rows on needles of the food plants. They hatch after about one week. The small caterpillars stay together and eat fresh shoots. When half grown they split up and start eating older needles. The caterpillars of Pine Beauties eat during the night only. At daytime they hide motionless between needles or twigs in the food plant and are extremely well camouflaged. By half July they'll start weaving a thin cocoon in crevices of the bark of the food plant, or among the fallen needles on the ground. In the cocoon they pupate. It is the pupa overwintering. Usually the caterpillar is green, but it might be brown. It has a few white lines running from head to tail. The lower line, running over the spiracula has the lower edge orange. The head is brown with lighter markings. The caterpillars reach a length of some 37 to 42mm. Like the animal's name indicates, the most important food plant is pine. Every now and then however caterpillars are found on fir, birch and oak.
The Pine Beauty is a single-brooded spring species, on the wing from late March to May. The moths only fly by night. During the day most rest head down on twigs of the food plant. The silvery scales, irregularly reflecting light, prove to be an excellent way of hiding oneself. For it is extremely difficult to detect a Pine Beauty at rest. Luckily they readily come to light and sugar. In such cases they often rest at a wall or a fence near the source of the light. When at rest it is easy to take pictures of the animals. They even allow you to handle them if you take care. The most important flowers for the adult animals are catkins. A very common species all over Britain, including the Inner Hebrides. An uncommon species in Ireland though. In northern parts of Europe, such as Scotland, Sweden and Norway this animal sometimes becomes a pest in pine forests.
The greyish form is referred to as Panolis flammea ab. grisea scientifically.
Within the awkward group of dull Quakers and Drabs the Twin-spotted Quaker is easily identified by the double spot, which gave it its vernacular name. The basic colour of the front wings is variable: often yellowish brown, but it may be reddish brown or greyish brown as well. In very few specimens the double dot is absent. These animals are very similar to the Clouded Drab, but they have the tip of the wings rounded where the tip of the wing of the Clouded Drab is square. The males of the Twin-spotted Quaker have feathered antennae, the females have threadlike antennae. The wingspan corresponds with the wingspan of most Quakers and Drabs and varies between 38 and 44mm.
The eggs are being laid in groups in April on the host plant. They hatch within ten days. The caterpillars feed at night. When small they hide in the foliage during the day. Bigger larvae hide in crevices in the bark of the foodplant. In July the caterpillars are full grown. They drop to the ground, dig a chamber in the ground, spin a cocoon and pupate inside. It is the pupa overwintering. The caterpillars are clearly divided into three sections. There is a broad, light greyish brown dorsal band. In the middle of this band a fine light line. The sides between the dorsal band and the spiracula are dark brown, sometimes almost blackish brown. Below the spiracula the caterpillar of the Twin-spotted Quaker is whitish, sometimes greenish grey. The 11th segment has a black marking on top and sometimes the whole segment seems to be a dark ring. Willow, sallow, elm, oak and almost all trees and shrubs can be hostplants. The caterpillars grow to be some 40mm at most.
The Twin-spotted Quaker is on the wing in March and April mainly. However some specimens may be seen flying about in May. Flies at night, but is sometimes seen in daylight or dusk on willow flowers. The Twin-spotted Quaker also loves bleeding trees. Is easily attracted to light and sugar. Generally distributed, but local in England and Wales. Scarce in Ireland. A local species in Southern and Central Scotland. On the continent a species of light sandy soils, widespread and not uncommon, but never appearing in great numbers.
Untill recently the scientific name used to be Orthosia munda. This species is also known as the Plum Leaf Moth in Australia.
Within the awkward group of dull Quakers and Drabs the Twin-spotted Quaker is easily identified by the double spot, which gave it its vernacular name. The basic colour of the front wings is variable: often yellowish brown, but it may be reddish brown or greyish brown as well. In very few specimens the double dot is absent. These animals are very similar to the Clouded Drab, but they have the tip of the wings rounded where the tip of the wing of the Clouded Drab is square. The males of the Twin-spotted Quaker have feathered antennae, the females have threadlike antennae. The wingspan corresponds with the wingspan of most Quakers and Drabs and varies between 38 and 44mm.
The eggs are being laid in groups in April on the host plant. They hatch within ten days. The caterpillars feed at night. When small they hide in the foliage during the day. Bigger larvae hide in crevices in the bark of the foodplant. In July the caterpillars are full grown. They drop to the ground, dig a chamber in the ground, spin a cocoon and pupate inside. It is the pupa overwintering. The caterpillars are clearly divided into three sections. There is a broad, light greyish brown dorsal band. In the middle of this band a fine light line. The sides between the dorsal band and the spiracula are dark brown, sometimes almost blackish brown. Below the spiracula the caterpillar of the Twin-spotted Quaker is whitish, sometimes greenish grey. The 11th segment has a black marking on top and sometimes the whole segment seems to be a dark ring. Willow, sallow, elm, oak and almost all trees and shrubs can be hostplants. The caterpillars grow to be some 40mm at most.
The Twin-spotted Quaker is on the wing in March and April mainly. However some specimens may be seen flying about in May. Flies at night, but is sometimes seen in daylight or dusk on willow flowers. The Twin-spotted Quaker also loves bleeding trees. Is easily attracted to light and sugar. Generally distributed, but local in England and Wales. Scarce in Ireland. A local species in Southern and Central Scotland. On the continent a species of light sandy soils, widespread and not uncommon, but never appearing in great numbers.
Untill recently the scientific name used to be Orthosia munda. This species is also known as the Plum Leaf Moth in Australia.
The Clouded Drab does lack striking colours indeed. But it also is a highly variable species. Yet usually easily identified. First of all because it is one of the biggest among the Drabs and Quakers. It is also one of the earliest to appear. Furthermore it has a typical shape: the tip of the wings is very angular, where it is more rounded in the other species. The wavy line (which is the line just before the side edge of the wing) is white or yellowish, wavy and has some black spots near the indents. The wing gives the impression of being stained but doesn't show any concrete or well defined markings. The colour is highly variable: from almost black and practically unmarked through brown to ochreous or light grey. The lighter the animal the more distinct the markings are. Some specimens however are light brown with lots of dark brown speckles and have no other markings whatsoever. Between all these appearances there is a lot of overlap. The Powdered Quaker often is very similar, but its wavy line is almost completely straight and it has a warmer colour. The Northern Drab not only is smaller, it also has pointed wing tips and a very hairy thorax. The Clouded Drab has a wing span of 34 to 42mm.
The eggs are laid in springtime in small groups on the host plant. They hatch after some 10 days. The newly hatched caterpillars live inside buds. When they grow too big, they spin two or more leaves together and hide between the leaves during the day. At night they feed by eating other leaves. When almost full grown the caterpillars hide between plant debris or in the foodplant close to the ground. In June or July the caterpillars are fully grown. They now go underground, spin a very thin cocoon and pupate. The pupa overwinters, more or less. The caterpillar of the Clouded Drab is green with lots of whitish or yellowish speckles. Just above the spiracula runs a rather broad white line from head to tail. It is accompanied by a very thin black line above. The caterpillar has a green head and reaches a length of some 40mm. It is often found in trees, such as willow, oak and apple. But it also feeds on low growing plants like docks and hop.
The Clouded Drab is among the first moths to be on the wing in spring. Sometimes the animals fly about in January. Most however start flying in February as soon as the weather gets milder. And even though they may still be on the wing in June, numbers sharply decline by mid-May. The Clouded Drab only flies during the hours of darkness, but it may be seen visiting flowers in lights. It is very fond of catkins. The moth is easily attracted to both light and sugar. During daylight it can be photographed with ease. Will often not move at all, which means however it is quite difficult to manipulate, should you wish to do so. It is indifferent towards the habitat: light forests, roughs, parks and gardens will do. A common species all over the British Isles. Common in Western, Central and Northern Europe too.
It is best to identify the Common Quaker by looking at the following combination of characteristics. First both the kidney mark and the circular mark are rather big and with a thin white outline. In many cases this outline is the only thing you'll ever see, for the actual markings often have the same colour as the rest of the wing and are invisible. Secondly the tip of the wing is rounded. And finally the wavy line is light with dark edges and runs rather straight. The colour of the wing is no characteristic at all. It is extremely variable. For even though it is always a variation on the theme 'brown', it may be yellowish or ochreous brown, warm orange brown or cold greyish brown or even almost black. The wingspan of 34 to 40mm is typical for the size of a Quaker.
The eggs are deposited in small groups on or near growing buds and hatch after a few days. The small caterpillars live within the growing buds. Growing bigger they move to the outside of a shoot and spin together a few leaves. They rest between these leaves during the day and go eating other leaves during the night. Caterpillars in their last instar sit unprotected on top of a leaf or on the underside of the leaves of the foodplant. In summer they drop to the ground and spin a cocoon just beneath the surface. In this cocoon they pupate and then overwinter. The caterpillar is bright green with lots of whitish yellow speckles. It has a distinct white dorsal line and below that two much vaguer white lines on the sides. Characteristic is the yellow band around the 11th segment. The head is green. The caterpillar grows to a length of 35 to 40mm. It can be found on quite a number of deciduous trees, such as oak, birch and sallow.
The Common Quaker is on the wing at about the same time as other Orthosia-species: it flies about in March and April mainly. Flies by night only, but can be seen visiting illuminated flowers and catkins. They are easily attracted to both light and sugar. Specimens caught at night are easily photographed next day. They can even be manipulated. But be delicately, for once they get agitated, they will remain that way for a very long time. Very common all over England, Wales and southern Scotland. Less common in the rest of Scotland, the Hebrides and Ireland. Common over most of the European continent too.
The Small Quaker wears its name with pride, for it is the smallest of all Quakers and Drabs. The size makes it easy to identify this species. The markings present you with problems, for this species is variably marked. Usually only the kidney mark is clearly visible. The circular mark usually is vaguely visible, but it may be absent. There may be some lines running over the wings, but often these are reduced to a couple of black dots or completely absent. The grondcolour is light brown, sometimes more of a reddish brown, sometimes tending to greyish brown. The wingspan varies between 28 and 32mm.
The eggs are being laid in spring in small groups. Often they hatch within a week. The caterpillars eat by night and hide by day between leaves spun together. The caterpillar can be extremely cannibalistic, at least in confinement. In July the caterpillars move to the ground, go underground, weave a thin cocoon and pupate. It is the pupa overwintering. Usually the basic colour of the caterpillar is blueish green, even though occassionally brown animals may be encountered. Each segment of the body has some ten small black dots. Three white lines run over the body from head to tail on the back and sides. There is a white band around the 11th segment. Especially in the last stage there is a black marking on the first segment just behind the head. The head is of the same colour as the body, but has black markings. The head becomes more black with aging. The caterpillar grows to a length of 25 to 30mm. Foodplants often mentioned are oak, hawthorn, hazel, rose and sallow. But the caterpillar of the Small Quaker has been found on other trees and shrubs too.
The period the Small Quaker is on the wing is typical for the entire group of Quakers and Drabs: March and April mainly. It flies by night only. The main source of food for the adult moths are catkins. The adults are easily attracted to both light and sugar. Animals caught at night are good models for photographers the next day. When doing it gently they even permit you to manipulate them. Not an uncommon species in England and Wales. Less common in Scotland and Ireland. Quite common on most of the European Continent.
The Small Quaker wears its name with pride, for it is the smallest of all Quakers and Drabs. The size makes it easy to identify this species. The markings present you with problems, for this species is variably marked. Usually only the kidney mark is clearly visible. The circular mark usually is vaguely visible, but it may be absent. There may be some lines running over the wings, but often these are reduced to a couple of black dots or completely absent. The grondcolour is light brown, sometimes more of a reddish brown, sometimes tending to greyish brown. The wingspan varies between 28 and 32mm.
The eggs are being laid in spring in small groups. Often they hatch within a week. The caterpillars eat by night and hide by day between leaves spun together. The caterpillar can be extremely cannibalistic, at least in confinement. In July the caterpillars move to the ground, go underground, weave a thin cocoon and pupate. It is the pupa overwintering. Usually the basic colour of the caterpillar is blueish green, even though occassionally brown animals may be encountered. Each segment of the body has some ten small black dots. Three white lines run over the body from head to tail on the back and sides. There is a white band around the 11th segment. Especially in the last stage there is a black marking on the first segment just behind the head. The head is of the same colour as the body, but has black markings. The head becomes more black with aging. The caterpillar grows to a length of 25 to 30mm. Foodplants often mentioned are oak, hawthorn, hazel, rose and sallow. But the caterpillar of the Small Quaker has been found on other trees and shrubs too.
The period the Small Quaker is on the wing is typical for the entire group of Quakers and Drabs: March and April mainly. It flies by night only. The main source of food for the adult moths are catkins. The adults are easily attracted to both light and sugar. Animals caught at night are good models for photographers the next day. When doing it gently they even permit you to manipulate them. Not an uncommon species in England and Wales. Less common in Scotland and Ireland. Quite common on most of the European Continent.
The Hebrew Character has a greyish basic colour usually. Furthermore it has a distinct and striking black marking on the wing. But what does it represent? We think it is a Hebrew sign, but Linnaeus thought it to be of Gothic origin. Anyway, no one can be sure. There is another species with an identical marking: the Setaceous Hebrew Character. Both species share other characteristics as well. Yet you'll probably won't mix them up, for usually the Setaceous Hebrew Character starts flying about when the Hebrew Character stops flying. There are few occassions where the black Hebrew marking on the wing is brownish, or fallen apart in two separate markings. Usually however identifying this moth is easy. Something that can not be said of most other Drabs and Quakers belonging to the Orthosia genus. The wingspan of the Hebrew Character is 30 to 40mm.
The first eggs are being laid in March. And as these hatch after only ten days, the first caterpillars can be seen in March as well. They start by eating the host plants buds, then the leaves. The larvae feed by night only. During daytime they sit motionless hidden in the food plant. The caterpillars are fullgrown in June or July. They move to the ground, dig a hole there and go underground. There they spin a firm cocoon in which they pupate. Usually the pupa overwinters, but during very mild winters some moths will hatch in January or February. The caterpillar itself is green with small yellow spickles. Most striking is a broad white or whitish yellow line running over the spiracula. The length of the full grown caterpillars varies between 42 and 47mm. Very many plants are known to be host to the larvae of the Hebrew Character. They include trees such as oak and sallow, bushes, such as hawthorn and lower plants including dandelions and various cloaver species.
All moths of the genus Orthosia are on the wing in spring, including the Hebrew Character. It flies about in March and April mainly, but a little later in the north of Britain. The cold doesn't seem to irritate the animal, for it also flies in frosty nights. It starts flying far after midnight though. In the wild it is attracted to catkins. But sugar or lights will also attract these moths. Easily photographed during the day, the animal will even tolerate a bit of manipulation. The Hebrew Character has no preference to habitat at all and may be found in forests and gardens alike. Common all over the British Isles including Orkney and Shetland. Very common in Western, Central and Northern Europe as well.
The Setaceous Hebrew Character is similar in shape to the other Rustics and Clays. But its markings make it standing out and rather easy to identify. It has a dark greyish basic colour usually. Furthermore it has a distinct and striking black C-marking on the wing. The open space of the C however is not round, but has a rather triangular shape. The open space is yellow or even pinkish. And these yellowish triangles are unique for the Setaceous Hebrew Character. Even its doppelgänger the Hebrew Character lacks these light triangles. It actually has a more rounded C too. And don't worry too much about this species. They normally don't fly at the same time much, for usually the Hebrew Character stops flying when the Setaceous Hebrew Character starts to. Reaching a wingspan of 35 to 45mm the Setaceous Hebrew Character is the biggest of the two, but there is a great deal of overlap.
Eggs are being laid all summer and most of autumn. They are deposited individually, but usually not far from eachother on leaves of the hostplant, or on the ground very close to the foodplants. They need only nine days to hatch. Caterpillars hatching in early summer will provide the second generation. Larvae hatching later will overwinter as such. They may even be active in mild winternights. They feed by night only and hide in the foodplant close to the earth during the night. Pupation takes place underground in a loose cocoon. The caterpillar itself is greyish or even blueish brown. On the back is a line consisting of a double row of short, thick, black lines. These are getting balder towards the tail. Under the spiracula is a broad yellow line. The head is lightbrown with darkbrown markings. The caterpillars will reach a length of some 37mm. The food plants are numerous low growing plants, often ones growing together in dense patches, such as nettles and blueberries.
The Setaceous Hebrew Character flies by night only. It is a frequent visitor of gardens, where it is often seen on Buddleija en Ivy. In the south of Britain two generations: May to July and late August to October. In Scotland and farther north single brooded and on the wing from early July to the end of August. In Holland, Belgium and the north of France three generations a year, which means this species is on the wing from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. In the Mediterranean four or possibly five generations and on the wing all year round. Is attracted to light and sugar, but in small numbers only. Easily photographed during daylight. Even permits manipulation to a certain extend. Common all over the British Isles, including Orkney and Shetland. On the continent just as common.
The Double Square Spot is not an easy species to identify. It is similar to other Xestia species. The most striking difference compared to the Setaceous Hebrew Character is the fact that the black spot is not longer a single one (pretending to be a C), but is clearly fallen apart into two separate smaller black spots. The Triple-spotted Clay is also very similar, but it is slightly darker. Besides the white line a centimeter from the fringe of the forewing is well visible in the Double Square Spot and has an wavy indent near the tip of the wing. The Square-spotted Clay is darker and less contrastingly marked. Even though every now and then greyish animals are seen, which sometimes are rather unmarked, this species shows little variation as a rule. After some practising, this species may be identified in the field with some ease. The wingspan is 36 to 46mm.
The eggs are being laid in summer, but the first caterpillars appear in August. They overwinter when half-grown and continue their development in early spring next year. Pupation takes place underground in a light cocoon and takes some four to eight weeks. The caterpillar itself is brownish, sometimes reddish brown. It distinguishes itself of the caterpillars of other Xestia species by the bold, black lines on the segments 10 and 11. Usually they almost make up a V when put together. In autumn the larvae are usually found on lower plants, like Dock and Dandelion. After hibernation most are seen on small young Birches and Sallows and frequently on Bramble sprouts. The larvae reaches a length of some 35 to 40mm.
The Double Square Spot is on the wing mainly in June and July. It only flies by night, but is easily attracted to sugar, lights and flowering plants, including those in gardens. A common species all over Britain and Ireland, with the exception of the Shetlands and, oddly enough, Guernsey. Elsewehere in Western Europe also very common and often seen in gardens and parks, even in cities.
The Square-spot Rustic owes its name to the square (or trapezium shaped) spot in the front wing. It is the animal's kidney mark. This mark is found in many Noctuids and its presence or absence, shape and colouring are good aids in identifying a species. In this case the shape of the kidney mark makes it rather unmistakable. And that's a good thing, for further markings are vague or absent and the colour is highly variable. The basic colour runs from yellowish brown, through brown to blackish brown or even almost black. Very dark animals may be difficult to identify, though. Sometimes the shape of the kidneymark is invisible. The Square-spot Rustic has a wingspan ranging from 30 to 40 mm.
The eggs hatch in September. The caterpillars feed by night and hide by day. Half grown caterpillars overwinter, but in mild nights they are active. Apparently there is no real winter break. In May the larvae dig a small hole in the ground. In it they spin a fragile cocoon in which pupation takes place. Strangely enough, they do not pupate immediately, but remain inactive in their cocoon for 5 to 7 weeks. The caterpillars of the Square-spot Rustic are brownish. There is a light dorsal line running all over the back. This line has very dark edges. A similar line runs over the sides of the body. Adjacent to this line are small black spots at regular intervals. The caterpillar is darker above the lines on the sides and lighter below them. The caterpillars of the Square-spot Rustic and the Six-striped Rustic are identical and can not be told apart. The caterpillars reach a length of some 30 to 35 mm. We find them on grasses and other low vegetation usually, but also in birches and brambles.
The Square-spot Rustic is on the wing for a short time only: from late July to the beginning of September. They only fly by night, but are often seen on flowers such as hagworts and heather, even in small gardens. The animal can be tempted to visit your garden easily. Not only is it attracted to certain flowers, it is also attracted to light and sugar. Is easy to photograph when in a good spot, but often refuses to be handled. A very common and often numerous species all over the British Isles. Equally popular on the continent.
We have no pictures of adult Dot Moths. We do have pictures of the caterpillar, though. It sometimes behaves very conspicuously by sitting or resting on top of leaves during daylight. You can hardly make a mistake identifying the Dot Moth. It is a dark moth with a very striking white dot. In the center of the dot often is a half moon shaped marking in grey or light brown. The basic colouring is a shiny kind of blackish or blueish dark brown. On the thorax is a bundle of reddish hairs. In rare cases the dot is almost invisible. In such a case the Dot Moth is similar to the Cabbage Moth. This however usually has a distinct white line with a W-shape in it. Reaching a wingspan of 38 to 50mm this is a rather typical Owlet Moth
The eggs are laid in summer, sometimes separately, sometimes in large groups and hatch after just one week. The caterpillars of the Dot Moth feed themselves especially at night. By day they usually rest on the underside of a leaf. Most of the caterpillars crawl into the ground in autumn, where they spin a cocoon in which they overwinter. Pupation takes place in spring in the same cocoon. A smaller part of the larvae overwinter in the host plant or among leaf litter. After overwintering these also go underground to pupate. The caterpillar comes in two colour varieties: brown or green. On the back there are a number of V-shaped markings, which especially stand out on the segments 4, 5 and 11. There also is a thin, white dorsal line. On the eleventh segment there is a conspicuous bump. The caterpillar will reach a length of some 40mm. The Dot Moth's caterpillar uses an enormous variety of foodplants. Lowgrowing plants such as dandelions are eaten, but also higher growing nettles and thistles, or shrubs and trees, such as birch and sallow. It is also interested in many garden plants, such as toadflax, fuchsia and dahlia
Even though the Dot Moth can be seen from June to September, the greatest numbers are on the wing in July. It flies by night only, but both males and females are easily attracted to light, sugar and flowers. Widespread and common in the south of England and Wales, becoming a more local species going northwards. Scarce in Ireland and absent in Scotland, except for the far south, where it is a rare and local species.
The Cabbage Moth may present you with some obstacles trying to identify it. It is highly variable and there are a number of similar species. In the picture is a very dark and badly marked animal. Luckily many are lighter and are marked more clearly. The ground colour is always greyish to blackish. The kidney spot has a chalky white outline, the round spot has not. In the similar White Colon both spots are outlined dirty whitish. Another look-a-like is Mniotype adusta, a non-British species, but sometimes encountered on the continent. It always has a brownish basic colour opposed to the greyish of the Cabbage Moth. The Nutmeg is also similar, but it has a larger kidneymark. Some Apamea-species, such as the Crescent Striped, are also very similar, especially when not well marked. The best way to tell the Cabbage Moth apart from all other species is to catch it and look at the front leg. The Cabbage Moth is the only species having a small bended spur on the tibia of the front leg. The species is extremely variable in size as well, for the wingspan runs from 34mm to 50mm.
The eggs are deposited in groups in summer and early autumn on the underside of leaves of the foodplant. They may hatch very quickly, sometimes the caterpillars do crawl about only 8 days after the eggs having been laid. The caterpillars feed during the night and hide near or even in the ground during the day. They also live inside the foodplant when this is made up of many leaves folded together. Most caterpillars pupate in autumn in thin cocoons in the earth. Some however overwinter while being in the larval stage. Young caterpillars are green with yellow rings between the segments. Older caterpillars usually are brownish on top and greenish underneath. The spriracula are white and outlined with a black circle. Just below the spiracula runs a white, yellow or orange line. On the back are black two rows of black dots, joining at segment 11 into one black blur. The head is yellowish brown to dark brown with some light markings. The caterpillar grows to a length of some 45mm. The larvae are sometimes found in trees, oak and birch mainly. They usually are found in cabbage, sometimes in numbers. The species is very harmful in cabbage, for it will eat the plant from the inside. This way it takes some time before it is discovered. During which time the crops may be completely ruined. The Cabbage Moth may be accompanied by other caterpillars on cabbage, such as the larvae of the Great White, the Small White, the Silver Y and the rare Pearly Underwing.
The Cabbage Moth has two or maybe even three generations and is on the wing from May to October. An occasional specimen may be seen in other months. It flies by night only and eagerly visits flowers in gardens. Is also attracted to light and sugar. When caught at night it turns out to be a willing photographer's model next day. However useless as such during darkness, when it turns out to be extremely restless. Because the caterpillars prefer to feed on cabbage this is a species found mainly in cultivated areas: gardens, farmland etc. A very common species all over Britain and Ireland, but getting less widely spread northwards. Very common on the continent as well.
The Pale-shouldered Brocade is a difficult species to identify, for there are many similar species. Apparently it has a white W in the outer line, but quite some species do possess a similar W. It is best identified by the broad forewing, which has a curved leading edge. The Dusky Brocade has a less striking and duller W-shape in the outer line. The Dog's Tooth has a tooth-like marking in the central part of the forewing. The Beautiful Brocade is more marbled and more richly marked. The Dark Brocade lacks the light patches near the base of the wings. Still all these species may be very hard to tell apart, especially when they are worn out, or less well marked. In the beginning always consult an experienced moth expert when trying to label one species of this complicated group. The wingspan of the Pale-shouldered Brocade is some 38 to 44mm.
The eggs are being laid from May to September. The caterpillar may be seen all summer: from June to the end of September. It feeds by night only. During the day it sits motionless in a hiding place on the underside of a leaf or on the stem of the foodplant. Once full grown it drops to the ground, where it digs a little hole. In the hole a cocoon is made in which pupation takes place. Not only do adult Pale-shouldered Brocades have a W in the outer line of the upper wing, the caterpillars have W's all over the back, or rather joined V's. The larva itself is light brown and has a light brown head. An orange line runs over the spiracula. Above it there often is a blueish patch or blueish small line. The caterpillar is rarely seen, due to its secretive way of life. It reaches a length of some 38 to 43mm and lives on numerous plants, such as oak, birch and honeysuckle.
The Pale-shouldered Brocade is on the wing from May to late July. In the south of England and on the continent a second generation may appear in August and September. The second generation is small and does not occur every year, though. The caterpillar may be hard to find, the adult moth is less shy. Even though it only flies by night, it is happily attracted to light, sugar and blooming flowers and thus a regular visitor to gardens. Taking pictures is easy, for the animal may be handled during the day when treated carefully. A common species in most of Britain and Ireland but not recorded from the Hebrides and, curiously enough, not found on the Channel Islands either.
The Sprawler is a rather dull Noctuid. The combination of the following characteristics make it an unmistakable species, though: the thorax is very hairy, the wings have a pattern of long streaks and the animal flies very late in the year in October and part of November mainly. It seemingly doesn't care about bad weather. That's mainly because the adult moths don't eat. There are only slight variations in markings, but the ground colour may be lighter or darker in individuals. Males have feathered antennae, females have threadlike antennae. Wingspan: 39 to 48 mm.
The eggs are deposited in autumn in crevices in tree barks. They hatch in May. The small caterpillars are true cannibals. Usually not very many survive the first few weeks. By the end of June they move to the ground. Here they dig a deep hole, in which pupation takes place. The adult moth may be an unobtrusive one, the caterpillar is not. It has a thick yellow line running over the spiracula. Below this line, the animal is dark green, above the line whitish green. On the back are a few whitish dorsal lines. The 11th segment has a clear hump. The last segments run down almost vertically. The caterpillar assumes a curious pose, especially when it feels threatened: the first part of the body is curled backwards. That's why it is called the Sprawler in English and sphinx scientifically. Taking into consideration the wingspan, the caterpillar of the Sprawler is big, for it may reach a length of some 43 to 48 mm.
The Sprawler is on the wing in October mainly. Is active during low temperatues and rain. It is easily attracted to light and can be found next day on fences or walls, sometimes in great numbers. When resting like this they can be photographed easily, for they have no tendency to fly away. A common species in woodlands in the south of England and Wales. A local species northwards and in Ireland. Not found in Scotland. Common in most parts of the continent, but not in Northern Europe.
In many books and on the web the former scientific name of Brachionycha sphinx is still used frequently.
At first sight the Green-brindled Crescent is very similar to quite a number of brownish owlet moths. A close look however reveals beautiful green scales at many places on the wings. Add to this that this species is on the wing in late summer and autumn and you will understand why we call the Green-brindled Crescent quite unmistakable. There are darker and less well marked animals though. The wingspan varies from 39 to 46mm.
In autumn the female deposits her eggs one by one near a bud of the foodplant. The eggs are yellow first, but then become greyish red. They overwinter and only hatch in April of next year. The young caterpillars live inside the bud and eat it. Later they move around more and eat full grown leaves. By June or July the larvae move to the ground, where they dig a chamber deep in the soil. Here they make a very firm cocoon. They stay dorment inside the cocoon for weeks, before pupating. The caterpillars of the Green-brindled Crescent are greyish, usuallu brownish grey, but sometimes greenish grey. On the back are small, pale tubercles. On the 11th segment sits a pair of brown points. The head is reddish brown with darkbrown speckles and a black zig-zag line. The caterpillar is sometimes found on apple, plum or birch, but usually confines itself to Blackthorn and Hawthorn. It grows to a length of 42 to 48mm.
The Green-brindled Crescent is on the wing from mid-September to the beginning of November. It flies early in dusk and is seen on Ivy blossom in gardens regularly. Is fond of rotting fruit. Is not attracted to light easily and is easier to catch using sugar. Once caught this is an easy going species, which to a certain extend may even be handled. Photographing it usually is not a very tiresome task. But be aware: it may fly away suddenly without any warning signs. Quite common all over the British Isles, except for Northern Scotland and the Hebrides where it is a local species, getting rarer going northwards. A widespread, but local species on the continent, completely absent in certain areas.
The Brindled Green usually isn't difficult to identify by the green patches all over the wings. Sometimes however the animals are very dark with just very small green markings. In other animals the green is replaced by yellowish brown. In those cases identification is possible by looking at the black spot near the oval mark. This spot usually is pointing towards the outer edge of the wing. But usually there is some green making this animal unmistakable. Reaching a wingspan of some 32 to 39 mm this is a rather small Noctuid.
The eggs of the Brindled Green are being laid in September in small groups near the end of twigs of the host plant. They overwinter and do not hatch before April of next year. The small caterpillars bore into buds and eat the freshly emerging leaves. Becoming bigger they spin together two leaves and rest in between them during the day. By night they leave their bed to feed on other leaves. In July they drop to the ground, dig a small hole and pupate inside the hole in a cocoon. Usually in August the new moths appear. The caterpillar is green and yellow. It has a green head and a distinct yellowish white dorsal line. The larvae reaches a length of some 35 to 40 mm. The only host plant is oak.
The Brindled Green is on the wing in September mainly. It exclusively flies by night. Comes to light in small numbers only, but is easily attracted to sugar. Will also visit flowers in gardens. The Brindled Green is common in Southern Britain, becoming a mere local species going northwards. Common in Northern Ireland, and a local species in the Irish Republic. On mainland Europe a common, but often local species, wherever oak is present.
The Satellite is unmistakable. There is some variation in colour, though. The groundcolour may be orangebrown or cinnamonbrown, but occasionally it is yellowish brown or greyish brown. There is one striking marking: a colourful small spot accompanied by two small white dots. The big spot usually is orange, but sometimes it is yellow or white. In some individuals the spot on one wing has a different colour than the spot on the other wing. The wingspan is some 40 to 48mm.
The eggs are being deposited one by one in March and April. The caterpillar of the Satellite sleeps during the day and feeds at night. When resting it hides between some leaves which it spins together. Except for the leaves of the host plant the larvae also feed on eachother, other caterpillars or larvae of other insects. This is one of the very few species of caterpillars capable of biting humans in their finger.
In Central and Western Europe the Satellite is single-brooded. Because it overwinters being adult, it may be seen during a long stretch of time: from September to deep in April. Sometimes on the wing in mild winter nights. It is easily attracted to light and sugar. In autumn it feeds on rotting fruit and Ivy blossom. In winter on tree juices and in spring it regularly visits catkins. Is seen in parks and gardens frequently. If you catch it, it may appear to be a good model for photographers at first, for it may sit motionless for a moment and may sometimes even be handled. But be aware: it may fly off at any time without previous warning! Very common over much of Europe, including England, Wales and Ireland. A local species in Southern Scotland and a very rare local species in other parts of Scotland, if present. Very rare and extremely local in the Hebrides. Abundant on the Channel Islands.
The number of spots may vary a little, but normally the Dotted Chestnut is not very variable in colours or markings. Once dead the colours quickly fade away to a light vague brownish yellow. Even the furry head and shoulders between the wings are dotted. This also is a good characteristic, for most other Chestnuts from the Conistra-genus are not marked at all on head or between the wings. The Dotted Chestnut thus is unmistakable. It is quite variable in size, having a wingspan of 32 to 40 mm.
The eggs are laid in spring. They are deposited in trees and when young the caterpillars do live in trees only. Older larvae however may drop to the ground to complete their development on low growing plants such as Dandelion. Accept when present on Apple trees the larvae are rarely ever seen in the wild. The caterpillar of the Dotted Chestnut is very hairy, unusual for members of this genus. It is blackish brown with a faint black dorsal line and black, cross-shaped markings on the back. The head is always black. It may grow to be 38 to 44mm long.
The Dotted Chestnut is a typical winter moth. It appears in September and October. On warmer winter days it may fly about, even in January. In colder winters it remains in hibernation from November to March. It is attracted to light, but more to sugar. In autumn it is not uncommon in gardens, for it visits the flowers of Ivy. In spring it is seen on catkins. It prefers light forests with lots of undergrow, like forests on heath. It is a local species in southern parts of England and Wales only. Not found in Scotland and Ireland. In other parts of Europe a rare and usually very local species too.
Specialists do not identify the Chestnut by looking at its color. Nor do they study the markings on the wing, for both are extremely variable. They look at the shape. The Chestnut has a rather unique shape of the front wing. The rear edge is very rounded and the wing runs inwards much more than it does in other Owlet moths. The color of the wing is extremely variable: it may be deep reddish brown like a chestnut, dark brown or even almost black. Some animals are well marked. These have a well defined kidney spot and the circular spot is easy to see as well. In each of these spots sits a black dot. Others are less well marked. There is no trace of the kidney and circular spots, bit the black dots may be still there, or just one. Many others have no dots at all, but are strongle marbled. This is especially true of darker animals, like the one in the pictures on this page. Still it is sometimes very hard to see the marbled markings. Most dark Owlet moths landing on your doorstep from December to February are Chestnuts. In other months there are lots of similar species flying about and you will need to look at the shape of the wing. The Chestnut is not a big moth, for the wingspan is only some 28 to 36mm.
Even though the animals start flying in September, the eggs are laid next spring. They are deposited in all kinds of trees or shrubs. Usually the eggs are laid one by one, but occassionally small heaps of eggs are found. They hatch after two weeks. The small caterpillars eat from the fast growing leaves of the foodplant. Some always stay in the tree or shrub where they were born. Most drop to the undergrow during the 3rd instar to complete their development on low growing plants such as blueberry or dock. By the end of June the caterpillar goes underground where it spins a relatively large cocoon. They rest inside the cocoon for about two months before pupating. The first moths will leave the cocoon in September. It is the adult moth overwintering. The caterpillar of the Chestnut is just as variable as the adult moths are. It maybe darkbrown, purplish brown, light brown or even ochreous. It may also be almost black. But some are greenish, greyish or even greyish green. All however have small white speckles. And all have three more or less visible white dorsal lines. Characteristic is the neck shield: it is brownish black with three white lines. The head is brown with lightbrown dots. The caterpillar reaches a length of 30 to 35mm.
The Chestnut is on the wing in two stages. First from September to the end of November. Then follows a winter break, although some specimens can be seen on mild winterdays. Varying with the weather the Chestnut becomes active again by the end of February or the beginning of March. They remain on the wing til mid-May usually. The eggs are being laid from March. The Chestnut flies by night exclusively. It is attracted to light in very small numbers only, but responds well to sugar. In autumn the animals live on the nectar found in ivy blossom and they suck on rotting fruit and berries. In spring they are mainly seen on catkins. If you catch an animal at night, it is easily photographed during the day, but most won't be handled. A common and often even abundant species in England and Wales. Common, but less frequently seen in Scotland and Ireland. Common to abundant on the European continent too.
The Yellow-line Quaker is usually identified by the outermost cross-line, which is narrow and which runs almost in one straight line. It is brownish or reddish with a yellow edge. The markings are almost identical to the Red-line quaker, but the two species can be told apart easily by looking at the ground colour. The Yellow-line Quaker may have any colour: reddish, brownish or yellowish, but it is never grey. The Red-line Quaker on the other hand is always greyish. Both species may do without the black dot, so apparent in the pictures. The Yellow-line Quaker is unmistakable because of the colour and the fact it is on the wing in autumn. It is a rather small Owlet Moth, for the wingspan is some 32 to 38mm only.
The eggs are laid in autumn and overwinter. They usually hatch in April and the caterpillar feeds until the beginning of June. It feeds during night time only. By day it hides between one or more leaves of the host plant which are spun together. The caterpillars fall to the ground in June, dig a hole and in this hole the make a cocoon. The spent quite some time dorment in this cocoon and it is not before August they pupate. The larva of the Yellow-line Quaker is hard to identify. It is brown with a light dorsal line and some light spots all over. The larva of the Red-line Quaker is almost identical, except it has more spots and it has a brown head. The Yellow-line Quaker's larva has a black head. It will reach a length of 35 to 40mm. Young caterpillars live in trees, such as oak, beech, sallow and many others. When they grow, they let themselves drop in the undergrowing vegetation where the development is completed. The diet is usually comprised of more than just one species of plant.
The Yellow-line Quaker is on the wing from early September to the end of November. It is attracted to both: sugar and light. In gardens it also visits blooming ivy and rotting fruit. Once caught some animals may be handled while taking pictures; others react immediately and remain restless all the time. Resident in Britain and Ireland and usually common. Even found in Northern Scotland and the Hebrides. Curiously enough quite rare on the Channel Islands.
The Pink-barred Sallow is one of the most beautiful Owlet Moths. There is an attractive contrast between the warm yellow ground colour and the pinkish or purplish markings and band on the wings. The size of both the markings and the band is rather variable. Actually there is only one really similar species: the Sallow. Luckily there is one striking difference between the two species: the head of the Sallow is yellow, while the head of the Pink-barred Sallow is purplish or pinkish brown like the markings on the wings. Once you pay attention to this feature, the Pink-barred Sallow is unmistakable. The wingspan varies from 28 to 36mm.
The eggs are being laid by the end of summer and in autumn. They are deposited in small rows, one after the other, near the bud of a flower of the host plant. The eggs do hatch in March after overwintering. The small caterpillars of the Pink-barred Sallow look for the bud, live in the flower and eat it. By the time the catkins fall down, the caterpillars fall down with them and continue feeding on low growing plants beneath the trees. Once fully grown they dig a small hole in the ground in which a cocoon is spun. The caterpillars remain inside the cocoon motionless for four to six weeks, before pupating. By the beginning of August the first moths appear. The first host plants of which the catkins are eaten are sallow and poplars. The caterpillar is very hard to tell apart from the caterpillar of some other species and not very distinct. It has a rather undefined redbrownish ground colour. The back often is just a shade darker. There is a faint, sometimes hardly visible dorsal line. On the sides are one or two other light lines, if visible. The head is brown showing dark brown markings. The larvae may be 27 to 32mm in length.
The Pink-barred Sallow is on the wing from the end of August to the beginning of October. Occasionally a specimen is seen on the wing in spring or summer. The moth is not attracted to light very much, but it will come to sugar readily. The adults visit Ivy blossoms and rotting berries. A common species all over Britain, including northern parts, such as Scotland, the Hebrides and Orkney. In other parts of Europe a common species too.
The Knot Grass is a medium-sized, slightly variable Noctuid. Usually well marked, but less marked and very dark animals also appear regularly, some almost black. The best way of identifying this species is to look voor the white spot near the trailing edge of the forewing at about three quarters from the base of the wing. This spot, sometimes there are two, is usually visible even in the darkest animals. The pictures on this page are not very usable in that respect, for this is an animal that just got out of its cocoon. Most animals are slightly darker and less well marked. The wingspan is some 34 to 44 mm.
The first eggs are deposited by the end of May. They hatch after just one week and the caterpillars grow very quickly. In England there is light and time enough to produce two generations. The last eggs are deposited in August. By the end of September the caterpillars pupate to overwinter. They spin een parchment-like cocoon. This is composed of not only threads, but of bodily hairs as well. The cocoon is made on the ground in leaf litter regularly, but also just above the ground in low growing plants. The caterpillars are colourful and very hairy, an exception among the Noctuids. The basic colour is brown or black. On the back the caterpillar has white spots and groups of brown hairs. Along the sides runs a red line interrupted by white spots. On it we see bundles of brown hairs as well. The spiracula are visible as clear small white spots, just above the colourful line. The caterpillar of the Knot Grass reaches a length of some 35 to 40 mm. The larvae feed on a great variety of plants, such as low growing Broad-leaved Dock and Water Mint, higher growing plants, such as thistles and hop, shrubs, including bramble and Hawthorn and trees, especially sallows. In gardens sometimes found eating roses.
In Southern Britain double brooded and on the wing May-June and August-mid September. From the Midlands northwards there is only one generation, on the wing in June and July mainly. The Knot Grass flies about during the night only, but is attracted to flowers, sugar and light. Visits gardens regularly. Common in England and Ireland, less common in Wales and the Scottish lowlands, rare in Northern Scotland and the highlands. Not reported from Orkney or Shetland. Very common on the continent too. South of Britain usually in three generations a year. Getting scarcer northwards in Scandinavia.
