Setaceous Hebrew Character
Xestia c-nigrum
This record describes Xestia c-nigrum (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-42 mm. A distinctive species which should not be difficult to identify. Gardens, woodland, heathland and marshes. In the southern half of its range, there are two broods, flying in small numbers in May and June, but far more commonly in August and September. In the north there is just one generation, flying in July and August. The population is sometimes reinforced by immigration in the autumn. The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, but especially Nettle. Widely distributed throughout Britain, sometimes commonly. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Xestia c-nigrum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xestia c-nigrum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Cutworm Moths and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Xestia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens, woodland, heathland and marshes.
Seasonal Activity
In the southern half of its range, there are two broods, flying in small numbers in May and June, but far more commonly in August and September. In the north there is just one generation, flying in July and August. The population is sometimes reinforced by immigration in the autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, but especially Nettle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed throughout Britain, sometimes commonly. 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 Xestia c-nigrum. 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 Setaceous Hebrew Character (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Setaceous Hebrew Character
What is Setaceous Hebrew Character?
Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Setaceous Hebrew Character found?
Habitat: Gardens, woodland, heathland and marshes.
When is Setaceous Hebrew Character active?
Setaceous Hebrew Character: seasonal activity - In the southern half of its range, there are two broods, flying in small numbers in May and June, but far more commonly in August and September. In the north there is just one generation, flying in July and August. The population is sometimes reinforced by immigration in the autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Setaceous Hebrew Character?
The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, but especially Nettle.