73.246 BF2185

Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti

(Fabricius, 1781)

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Wingspan 34-40 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 species flies in early April and is locally distributed in England and Wales and central Scotland.

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