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Common Quaker

Orthosia cerasi

The Common Quaker is a friendly little moth that flies at night. It has soft, fuzzy wings that can be light brown or gray, helping it blend in with tree bark.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Common Quaker is a small, stout moth, typically reddish-brown to orangey-brown, with a fuzzy body and forewings. It often features a distinct kidney-shaped mark and a circular spot near the center of each forewing, which can vary in colour from dark brown to pale ochre. Its plain, subtle colouring helps it blend with natural backgrounds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusOrthosia
Common Quaker
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Common Quaker

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Before becoming a moth, the caterpillar makes a cozy burrow underground to safely transform!

Common Quaker caterpillars are hungry eaters, munching on leaves from many different trees and shrubs!

Common Quaker moths are one of the first moths to appear in very early spring, sometimes even in February!

Its name comes from its plain, brownish look, similar to the simple clothes worn by Quakers!

Special abilities

Ability

Night Navigator

Common Quaker can fly easily in darkness thanks to specialized eyes that help them find food and mates after sunset.

Ability

Tree Camouflage

The Common Quaker has mottled brown wings that help them blend perfectly against tree bark, hiding from hungry birds.

Ability

Winter Sleeper

Common Quaker caterpillars can turn into a pupa and sleep through winter underground, emerging as an adult moth in early spring.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
32-40 mm
Size
12-18 mm
Lifespan
14-30 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Age differences: Young caterpillars eat leaves, while adult moths sip sweet nectar.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • oak leaves
  • willow leaves
  • elm leaves
  • birch leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Robins hunt adult moths for a tasty meal.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Great Tits feed Common Quaker caterpillars to their chicks.

depends on

Pedunculate Oak

Quercus robur

Caterpillars feed on its leaves for energy to grow.

pollinates

Goat Willow

Salix caprea

Adult moths visit early spring willow flowers for nectar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Common Quaker's wingspan?

32-40 mm

How big is Common Quaker?

12-18 mm

How long does Common Quaker live?

14-30 days

How fast can Common Quaker fly?

15 km/h

What does Common Quaker eat?

Adults sip nectar; caterpillars munch on leaves.

Where is Common Quaker usually found?

Forests

How does Common Quaker hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Common Quaker have?

6

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