73.248 BF2184

Northern Drab Orthosia opima

(Hübner, [1809])

Wingspan 34-40 mm.

Although the English name suggests otherwise, this species is actually more common in the south.

It does however occur sporadically throughout northern England and the southern half of Scotland. The single brood flies in April and May, and the species inhabits heathland, downland and sand-hills.

Feeding on a variety of trees and herbaceous plants, including sallow (Salix), birch (Betula) and ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), the larvae occur in May and June.