Hebrew Character
Orthosia gothica
This record describes Orthosia gothica (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 30-35 mm. The typical forms have a distinct black mark on the forewing but some forms, especially in northern parts, have this mark the same as the ground colour or even paler. It flies in a single generation during March and April. It can be seen visiting Willow and is regularly attracted to light. The larval foodplants are a number of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. This is a common species throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Orthosia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurring in almost any habitat.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in a single generation during March and April. It can be seen visiting Willow and is regularly attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are a number of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a common species throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Orthosia gothica. 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 Hebrew Character (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrew Character
What is Hebrew Character?
Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Hebrew Character found?
Habitat: Occurring in almost any habitat.
When is Hebrew Character active?
Hebrew Character: seasonal activity - It flies in a single generation during March and April. It can be seen visiting Willow and is regularly attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Hebrew Character?
The larval foodplants are a number of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.