Hoary Pinion
Common NameHoary Pinion
Scientific NameLithophane pruinosa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (overwinters) and March to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on deciduous tree leaves in spring and early summer, then pupate in the soil. Adults emerge in the fall, overwinter, and mate/lay eggs in the spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall hoary grey appearance with fine, longitudinal dark streaking on the forewings, and its characteristic flight period in both late autumn and early spring after overwintering.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and whitish forewings, featuring subtle dark streaks that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. The hindwings are typically paler grey.
