Beautiful Gothic
Common NameBeautiful Gothic
Scientific NameNaenia typica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, cream
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, waste ground, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantsdock, dandelion, plantain, nettle, primrose, willowherb
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as a larva, feeding from autumn through spring. Pupation occurs in the soil, with adults emerging in early summer.
Identification TipsThe unique 'gothic' pattern on the forewings, featuring dark reticulations and prominent pale, black-outlined kidney-shaped and circular spots, is the key identifying feature.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its forewings displaying a distinctive dark, intricate, net-like pattern reminiscent of gothic window tracery, set against a mottled brown and grey background.
