Lesser-spotted Pinion
Common NameLesser-spotted Pinion
Scientific NamePhotedes captiuncula
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, yellowish-brown, grey
HabitatCalcareous grasslands, fens, damp meadows
Geographic RangeCentral and Western Europe
Host PlantsBrachypodium pinnatum, Molinia caerulea
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on grass stems and roots, overwintering as larvae before pupating in the soil in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, preference for calcareous grassland habitats, and subtle, brownish forewing markings.
Description
A small moth with yellowish-brown to reddish-brown forewings, often featuring a darker central band and faint pale crosslines, and grey hindwings.
