Hebrew Character
Orthosia gothica

Named for the black letter-like marking on the forewing, this noctuid moth is common almost everywhere.

Readily found with a torch on sallow catkins after dark in March and April.

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Common Quaker
Orthosia cerastri

Feeding on nearly all deciduous trees, this moth is also numerous at sallow catkins in March and April.

Colour varies, but the plain and simple wing markings are characteristic.

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Rannoch Sprawler
Brachyonicha nubeculosa

A Highland speciality of ancient birch woodland, where it rests by day on the gnarled trunks in early spring.

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Red Sword-grass
Xylena vetusta
Sword-grass
Xylena exsoleta

Both resemble slivers of old dead wood, but the much scarcer Sword-grass can be distinguished by its pale legs. The adults emerge in autumn, then hibernate until early spring. They are most often found at sugar.

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Orange Underwing
Archiearis parthenias

The adult flies high around birches on Sunny days in March and April. It is easily seen but not so easily netted.

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