Large Grey Pinion
Common NameLarge Grey Pinion
Scientific NameLithophane conspicillaris
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host Plantsoak, hawthorn, sallow, blackthorn, birch
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (overwinters) and March to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults emerge in autumn, overwinter, and become active again in spring to lay eggs. Larvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs during late spring and early summer, then pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings, which often show a faint, darker central band or kidney mark, and a generally robust appearance. The cryptic coloration helps it blend seamlessly with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with cryptically patterned forewings that are predominantly greyish-brown with darker mottling and indistinct markings, blending well with tree bark.
