common quaker vs small quaker

Orthosia cerasi compared with Orthosia cruda

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	common quaker	small quaker
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Arthropoda (Arthropods)	Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class same	Insecta (Insects)	Insecta (Insects)
Order same	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)
Family same	Noctuidae	Noctuidae
Genus same	Orthosia	Orthosia
Species	Orthosia cerasi	Orthosia cruda

Evolutionary Relationship

common quaker and small quaker share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Orthosia.

Conservation Status

common quaker

LC — Least Concern

small quaker

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	common quaker	small quaker
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

common quaker

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

small quaker

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

common quaker

The Common Quaker, <em>Orthosia cerasi</em>, is a moth in the family Noctuidae widely distributed across northern and western Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It is a medium-sized noctuid moth with pale brownish-gray to ochreous forewings marked by two rounded spots, the reniform and orbicular stigmata, and a subtly scalloped outer margin, displaying the understated cryptic patterning characteristic of early-spring Orthosia species. The Common Quaker is one of the earliest moths to fly in spring, typically emerging in February and March when temperatures barely rise above freezing, and is a regular visitor to light traps and sallow blossom. The species typically inhabits deciduous woodland, hedgerows, orchards, and gardens where broadleaved trees are available. The caterpillars are polyphagous, typically feeding on the foliage of oaks, hawthorns, birches, and other deciduous trees and shrubs. <em>Orthosia cerasi</em> overwinters as a pupa in the soil. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List given its wide distribution and abundance in suitable woodland habitats across its European range. Biological traits such as average lifespan, body size, and specific dietary preferences remain poorly documented for this species.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 4 countries:

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden