Hebrew Character
Common NameHebrew Character
Scientific NameOrthosia gothica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, ochre
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, parks, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsoak, willow, birch, hawthorn, sallow, bramble, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodFebruary to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with pale stripes, feeding on a wide variety of deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. They pupate in the soil over the summer, with adults emerging in early spring.
Identification TipsThe unique black mark on the forewing, resembling a Hebrew character (specifically the letter 'nun'), is the most distinctive and reliable feature for identification.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring a prominent, distinctive black mark resembling a Hebrew character in the central area, often outlined in pale yellow or ochre.
