# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Common Quaker](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/%28MHNT%29_Orthosia_cerasi_-_caterpillar-_Jardin_Botanique_Henri_GAUSSEN.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%28MHNT%29_Orthosia_cerasi_-_caterpillar-_Jardin_Botanique_Henri_GAUSSEN.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Noctuidae - **Genus:** Orthosia ## 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 - **Night Navigator:** Common Quaker can fly easily in darkness thanks to specialized eyes that help them find food and mates after sunset. - **Tree Camouflage:** The Common Quaker has mottled brown wings that help them blend perfectly against tree bark, hiding from hungry birds. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Robins hunt adult moths for a tasty meal. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Moths are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Common Quaker? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Common Quaker: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-quaker)