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Bordered gothic moth (Heliophobus reticulata)
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Find out here.Bordered gothic moth fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Bordered gothic moth description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae (1) |
| Genus | Heliophobus |
The Bordered Gothic moth has an attractive pale network-like patterning on the otherwise mottled grey-brown forewings. The hindwings are whitish-tan in colour, becoming darker towards the outer margins (1). A darker form (H. reticulata hibernica) occurs in southern Ireland (3).
- Size
- Wingspan: 3.5- 4 cm (1)
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Related species
Bordered gothic moth biology
A single brood is produced; the adults are active in June and July. Caterpillars are present between late July and September, and the overwintering stage is the pupa(1).
TopBordered gothic moth range
Since the 1960s, the range of this species has undergone a severe decline. It was once widespread in Wales and England south of Yorkshire, but is now believed to be in danger of extinction. In recent years, records have been restricted to South Wales, Portland in Dorset, north Kent and the Breckland of East Anglia, but these have become increasingly infrequent since 1990 (4). It has been recorded throughout Europe and extends eastwards to Russia, Siberia, Japan and Asia Minor (2).
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Species with a similar range
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You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Bordered gothic moth habitat
This moth tends to inhabit open calcareous or sandy grassland habitats (4). The foodplant of the caterpillars is not known, but it is thought that the seedpods of bladder campion (Silene vulgaris), soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) and knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) are likely candidates (2).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Bordered gothic moth status
Classified as Nationally Scarce in Great Britain (2).
TopBordered gothic moth threats
The reasons for the decline of this species are not yet known (2).
TopBordered gothic moth conservation
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) has identified this species as a priority for conservation action. In addition to maintaining and enhancing all known populations, the plan aims to restore populations to five sites in the former range before 2010 (2). Research into the ecology of this species has been proposed; information resulting from this will hopefully guide suitable habitat management (2).
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There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
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View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
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The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP. |
Find out more
Further reading on moths:
Skinner, B. (1998) Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles. Viking Press, London.
Leverton, R. (2001) Enjoying moths. Poyser, London.
Authentication
Information authenticated by Sean Clancy.
TopGlossary
- Calcareous
- Containing free calcium carbonate, chalky.
- Pupa
- Stage in an insect's development when huge changes occur, which reorganise the larval form into the adult form. In butterflies the pupa is also called a chrysalis.
References
- Skinner, B. (1984) Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles. Viking Press, London.
- UK BAP (December 2001): http://www.ukbap.org.uk
- UK Moths (December 2001): http://cgi.ukmoths.force9.co.uk/cgi-bin/show.pl?id=666&bf=21530
- Sean Clancy (2003) Pers. comm.
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Bordered Gothic
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