Lead-coloured Drab - Orthosia populeti

Description

Wingspan 34 to 40 mm. Can be rather similar to the Clouded Drab, but usually smaller with a more rounded termen. There are also subtle differences in the hindwing.  The antennae of male Lead-coloured Drabs are much more obviously feathered than the antennae of male Clouded Drabs.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Areas containing Aspen.

When to see it

The species flies in early April.

Life History

Aspen is the main foodplant, the larvae feeding at first on the catkins, and later between spun leaves.

UK Status

Locally distributed in England and Wales and central Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).

Reference
73.246 BF2185

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
Lead-coloured Drab
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
5
First record:
29/03/2003 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
31/03/2021 (Leonard, Pete)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records