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Pale Pinion
Lithophane socia (Clerck, 1759)
Noctuidae: Xyleninae
2236 / 73.201
Photo © Paul Butter,  very pale example

Similar Dorset Species
Tawny Pinion
Lithophane semibrunnea
Forewing: 17-20mm
Flight: October - May (hibernating)
Foodplant:   Oaks. birches, sallows, Hazel other trees and shrubs
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Former Status: Local
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2

Davey, P., 2009: A species restricted to south-west Britain, the larva feeding on various herbaceous plants and deciduous trees. The moth pairs during the spring following hibernation. It is attracted to light traps and is fond of ivy blossom in the autumn and sallow blossom in the spring. In Dorset, the moth is widespread, albeit at low density in deciduous woodland and deciduous scrub. With more than five times as many adults observed during the spring compared with those seen in the autumn, a significant percentage of the population appear to emerge post-winter.

The moth resembles the Tawny Pinion2235. Diagnostics include: no dark tornal streak, no dark head and no dark abdominal crests.


Hill, L., 2013:

Additional diagnostic: underside hindwing has an obvious darkish curved postmedian line in addition to the discal spot; discal spot smaller and lighter than in Tawny Pinion.

Recorded in 35 (88%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1934.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)

Latest 5 Records (Data up to end 2019)
Date#VC10k Area
01/06/201919SY79 - Puddletown
01/06/2019+9SZ07 - Swanage
29/05/201919SY79 - Puddletown
21/05/201919ST61 - Sherborne
30/04/201919ST40 - Beaminster
Further info: Lithophane socia
 
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