Common Quaker

This common species is easily recognised by their round-tipped forewing, with large, rounded, pale-outlined oval and kidney mark and uniformly grey hindwing. Markings are extremely variable but always a shade of brown or grey.

The caterpillars can be found from April to June, living at first in the developing buds before going on to feed on the leaves, fully grown larvae can be found resting on the underside of the leaf. 

The adult moth often comes to light and to sugar in large numbers but adults will also feed on sallow catkins and the flowers of Blackthorn.

Flight Season

Flies from March to May in one generation. Small numbers sometimes emerge during warm spells in the autumn and winter.

Size and Family

• Family – Hadeninae
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 34-40mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common resident

Caterpillar Food Plants

Caterpillars feed on a wide range of broadleaved trees, including Oaks (Quercus), Sallows (Salix), Birches (Betula), Elms (Ulmus), Hawthorns (Crataegus), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Hazel (Corylus).

Habitat

Can be found in most lowland habitats, most often woodland but sometimes gardens too.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Common and widespread, scarcer further north