Hebrew Character

Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica)

One of the very few species of moth we've caught in our trap so far this year is the Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica). The species gets its name from the distinctive black mark on its wings — a shape which resembles nun, one of the characters in the Hebrew alphabet. This mark is unique among spring-flying moths, making it an easy species to identify. It's an early-season moth, generally overwintering underground as a pupa (the stage of its life between caterpillar and adult) and emerging to fly as an adult in March and April. In mild years, some can even be found in late autumn or winter. Common and widespread throughout the British Isles and across Europe, they're found in virtually every habitat. Adults and larvae are nocturnal, with the former often feeding at willow flowers, and the latter feasting on the buds and leaves a number of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants. We'll be keeping an eye out for the caterpillars.