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The Gothic (Naenia typica) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is distributed throughout most of Europe.
This species has a wingspan of 36-46 mm. The forewings are broader than most other noctuids, blackish with a network of fine white lines (supposedly reminiscent of some elements of gothic architecture). The hindwings are grey. The species flies at night in June and July . It sometimes comes to light but is not generally strongly attracted. By contrast it is strongly attracted to sugar and flowers.
The larva, which is gregarious when young, is greyish-brown with dark lines along the side and blackish markings at the hind end. It is polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of plants (see list below). This species overwinters as a larva.
- The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
Recorded food plants
- Arctium - Burdock
- Artemisia - Mugwort/Wormwood
- Brassica
- Calendula - Marigold
- Chrysanthemum
- Crataegus - Hawthorn
- Cyclamen
- Elaeagnus - Silverberry
- Epilobium - Rosebay Willowherb
- ''Forsythia
- Humulus - Hop
- Lactuca - Lettuce
- Lepisanthes
- Malus - Apple
- Parthenocissus
- Plantago - Plantain
- Prunus
- Pyrus - Pear
- Rhododendron
- Salix - Willow
- Spinacia - Spinach
- Taraxacum - Dandelion
- Tussilago - Coltsfoot
- Urtica - Nettle
References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
"Gothic (moth)"