Common Quaker vs Vapourer Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Quaker Vapourer Moth
Scientific Name Orthosia cerasi Orgyia antiqua
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Erebidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 25-35 mm wingspan (males only)
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, temperate Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Quaker

A drab but very common spring moth attracted to sallow blossom. Variable brown coloring. Named 'quaker' for its plain, modest appearance. Larvae feed on many deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

Named 'Quaker' because its plain brown appearance was compared to the modest dress of the Quaker community.

Vapourer Moth

A moth in which males are russet-brown day-fliers while females are completely wingless and never leave their cocoon. Females lay eggs directly on their own pupal case.

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Did You Know?

The flightless female produces a powerful pheromone that attracts males from great distances to her cocoon.