Dowdy Pinion
Common NameDowdy Pinion
Scientific NameLithophane unimoda
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry, ash
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (fall brood), March to May (spring brood after overwintering)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults emerge in late fall, overwinter, and then mate and lay eggs in early spring. Larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs during spring and early summer, pupating in the soil before the next generation of adults emerges in the fall.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its relatively uniform greyish-brown forewings with a distinct, often pale-ringed, reniform spot, and generally lacking other prominent markings like orbicular spots or strong transverse lines. The 'dowdy' or plain appearance helps differentiate it from other *Lithophane* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dull, cryptically patterned greyish-brown forewings, featuring a prominent, often pale-ringed, reniform spot. Its overall appearance is rather plain and subdued.
