Noctuidae

73.214 White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis (Linnaeus, 1767)

pRGB

Similar species: Both Lesser-spotted Pinion Cosmia affinis and Lunar Pinion Cosmia pyralina have smaller and less obvious white markings on the leading edge of the forewing.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, copses, plantations and shelterbelts.

Habits: The moth is attracted to sugar and comes to light from about 10.30pm. The female less often.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on English Elm, Small-leaved Elm and Wych Elm, apparently preferring the leaves of epicormic growth. The young larva hides in a shelter of spun leaves during the day. There was a large decrease in the population of this already local species after Dutch Elm Disease broke out. There has not yet been any indication of them feeding on the low regrowth after the disease. Pupation takes place between spun leaves on the foodplant or in the leaf litter.