Pale Pinion
Lithophane socia
This record describes Lithophane socia (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 38 to 42 mm. Similar to the Tawny Pinion, with the same thoracic and abdominal crests, but these lack the blue-green iridescence. The moths are on the wing in October and November, and reappear after hibernation in early spring, when breeding occurs. The caterpillars live on trees and shrubs such as Willow and when more mature also feed on low plants such as Dock. With a similar, but slightly more western distribution to Tawny Pinion (L. semibrunnea), tending not to reach quite as far north, it is most common in the south-west. 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
- Lithophane
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The moths are on the wing in October and November, and reappear after hibernation in early spring, when breeding occurs.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillars live on trees and shrubs such as Willow and when more mature also feed on low plants such as Dock.
Additional species information
Recorded status
With a similar, but slightly more western distribution to Tawny Pinion (L. semibrunnea), tending not to reach quite as far north, it is most common in the south-west. 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 Lithophane socia. 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 Pale Pinion (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Pinion
What is Pale Pinion?
Pale Pinion (Lithophane socia) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pale Pinion found?
Habitat: Woodland and well wooded areas.
When is Pale Pinion active?
Pale Pinion: seasonal activity - The moths are on the wing in October and November, and reappear after hibernation in early spring, when breeding occurs..
What is the life cycle of a Pale Pinion?
The caterpillars live on trees and shrubs such as Willow and when more mature also feed on low plants such as Dock.