Lesser-spotted Pinion
Cosmia affinis
This record describes Cosmia affinis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 35 mm. One of three rather similar British species. Frequents woodland, gardens and hedgerows especially were the larval foodplants, English Elm and Wych Elm are present. The larval foodplants are English Elm and Wych Elm - the species has declined as a result of Dutch elm disease. This moth occurs locally in the southern half of England and Wales, with scattered occurrences further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Cosmia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequents woodland, gardens and hedgerows especially were the larval foodplants, English Elm and Wych Elm are present.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are English Elm and Wych Elm - the species has declined as a result of Dutch elm disease.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth occurs locally in the southern half of England and Wales, with scattered occurrences further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cosmia affinis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lesser-spotted Pinion (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser-spotted Pinion
What is Lesser-spotted Pinion?
Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Lesser-spotted Pinion found?
Habitat: Frequents woodland, gardens and hedgerows especially were the larval foodplants, English Elm and Wych Elm are present.
When is Lesser-spotted Pinion active?
Lesser-spotted Pinion: seasonal activity - The adults fly in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser-spotted Pinion?
The larval foodplants are English Elm and Wych Elm - the species has declined as a result of Dutch elm disease.