Small Quaker
ExploreInsects
Small Quaker
Orthosia cruda
The Small Quaker is a tiny, brown moth that loves to flutter around at night. It has soft wings and can often be found resting on tree bark or leaves during the day.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Small Quaker has a sturdy, pale reddish-brown to greyish-brown body and forewings. Its wings feature subtle wavy crosslines and a small, dark kidney-shaped spot near the center. It typically lacks bright markings, blending well with its surroundings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusOrthosia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Small Quakers are attracted to light, so you might spot them near lamps!
Its caterpillars munch on many tree leaves like oak and birch!
They have a special coiled 'tongue' called a proboscis to sip nectar.
This moth only lives for a few weeks as an adult, but spends months as a caterpillar!
Special abilities
Ability
Nighttime Cloak
Small Quaker has mottled brown wings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark, making them almost invisible to predators during the day.
Ability
Spring's First Flier
Small Quaker can emerge and fly in late winter/early spring, allowing them to find mates and food before many other insects.
Ability
Sweet Sap Sipper
Small Quaker can drink sugary tree sap, providing vital energy when nectar from flowers is still scarce in early spring.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-38 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch leaves, while adults sip nectar and tree sap from plants.
Age differences: Caterpillars feed on tree leaves, while adult moths feed on nectar and tree sap.
Primary Foods
- Quercus robur (Oak leaves)
- Betula pendula (Birch leaves)
- Ulmus minor (Elm leaves)
- Salix caprea (Goat Willow nectar/sap)
- Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn nectar)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Oak
Quercus robur
Larvae feed on the leaves of oak trees.
pollinates
Goat Willow
Salix caprea
Adult moths visit early flowering willows for nectar and sap.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Nocturnal bats hunt adult moths while they are flying.
eaten by
Eurasian Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Bird species prey on the caterpillars during their larval stage.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are generally safe to observe, but don't touch them as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Quaker's wingspan?
30-38 mm
How big is Small Quaker?
10-15 mm
How long does Small Quaker live?
15-30 days
What does Small Quaker eat?
Caterpillars munch leaves, while adults sip nectar and tree sap from plants.
Where is Small Quaker usually found?
Forests
How does Small Quaker hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Quaker have?
6
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