Grote's Pinion
Common NameGrote's Pinion
Scientific NameLithophane grotei
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous and mixed woodlands, forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, ash, cherry
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (fall brood), March to May (spring brood)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in the fall, overwinter, and mate and lay eggs in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewing pattern with prominent, often white-outlined reniform and orbicular spots. The overall 'pinion' shape of the forewings when at rest is also characteristic of the genus.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring distinct white-ringed reniform and orbicular spots. The hindwings are typically paler grey.
