Bethune's Pinion
Common NameBethune's Pinion
Scientific NameLithophane bethunei
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, brown, gray
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, willow, apple
Flight PeriodSeptember to November, and March to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults emerge in the fall, overwinter, and mate in the spring. Eggs are laid in spring, larvae feed through late spring/early summer, and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the overall mottled tan/gray appearance and the relatively smooth forewing margins. The moth has a distinctive flight period, being active in both late fall and early spring.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled light tan to grayish-brown forewings, often featuring subtle darker markings and a distinctive pale subterminal line. The hindwings are typically paler.
