Nameless Pinion
Common NameNameless Pinion
Scientific NameLithophane socia
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)41
Primary Colorslight brown, beige, grey-brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, willow, birch, hawthorn, fruit trees
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (autumn brood), March to May (spring brood after overwintering)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs in spring, pupating in the soil during summer. Adults emerge in autumn, overwinter, and become active again in spring to lay eggs.
Identification TipsLook for the overall pale brown cryptic pattern, the prominent reniform and orbicular stigmata, and the slightly pointed forewings typical of 'pinion' moths. The overwintering adult flight period is also a key characteristic.
Description
This moth has pale light brown to greyish-brown forewings with a mottled, cryptic pattern. It features distinct, often outlined, reniform (kidney-shaped) and orbicular (circular) stigmata, and faint wavy crosslines.
