Clouded Drab - Orthosia incerta

Description

Wingspan 35-40 mm. Exceptionally variable throughout its range, this species varies from relatively plain dark forms to well-marked buff and orange individuals. In the darker forms especially, there is usually a distinctive paler fringe to the forewing.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Occupying a range of habitats.

When to see it

It flies from March to May and can be found on Willow as well as at light.

Life History

The larvae feed on a number of trees and shrubs, but especially Oak.

UK Status

Common over most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
73.242 BF2188

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Clouded Drab
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
610
First record:
14/03/1997 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
25/03/2024 (Hagley, Neil)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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