Noctuidae

73.200 Tawny Pinion Lithophane semibrunnea (Haworth, 1809)

Local

Similar species: Pale Pinion Lithophane socia lacks the dark rectangular mark near the outer part of the trailing edge of the forewing. It usually has a pale rather than blue-black crest.

Forewing: 16 to 20mm

Habitats: Open deciduous woodland, parkland, coastal scrub, marshes and gardens.

Habits: The moth feeds on over-ripe blackberries and Ivy blossom and in the spring it visits sallow catkins. It is attracted to sugar and occasionally to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Ash. In captivity it accepts Garden Privet and plum. The full-fed larva spins a tough cocoon under the soil where it pupates about eight weeks later.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on oaks and cherry.