The Gothic
Naenia typica
This record describes Naenia typica (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 33-40 mm. Quite similar in appearance to the Bordered Gothic ( Heliophobus reticulata ) and the Feathered Gothic ( Tholera decimalis ), this species can be identified by its broader wings and dark patch between the forewing stigmata. Due to the alarming population crash, an image must accompany all records of this species. Inhabiting waste ground, suburban habitats and marshy areas. Specimens may be found from June to early August, nectaring at flowers or at sugared posts and ropes. The larvae feed on a wide range of plants, including Dock, Dandelion and Sow-thistle. It is widespread in Britain and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Naenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabiting waste ground, suburban habitats and marshy areas.
Seasonal Activity
Specimens may be found from June to early August, nectaring at flowers or at sugared posts and ropes.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a wide range of plants, including Dock, Dandelion and Sow-thistle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread in Britain and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Naenia typica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of The Gothic (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About The Gothic
What is The Gothic?
The Gothic (Naenia typica) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is The Gothic found?
Habitat: Inhabiting waste ground, suburban habitats and marshy areas.
When is The Gothic active?
The Gothic: seasonal activity - Specimens may be found from June to early August, nectaring at flowers or at sugared posts and ropes..
What is the life cycle of a The Gothic?
The larvae feed on a wide range of plants, including Dock, Dandelion and Sow-thistle.