Lithophane socia

Lithophane socia
Lithophane socia
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Lithophane
Species: L. socia
Binomial name
Lithophane socia
(Hufnagel, 1766)
Synonyms
  • Phalaena socia Hufnagel, 1766
  • Noctua petrificata Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775
  • Noctua petrificosa Hübner, [1803]
  • Lithophane petrolignea Hübner, [1821]
  • Xylophasia incognita Butler, 1885
  • Lithophane hepatica (Clerck, 1759)

The Pale Pinion (Lithophane socia) is a moth of the Noctuidae family. It is found throughout western Europe from Spain to central Scandinavia.

Lithophane hepatica1.jpg

The wingspan is 38-46 mm. Adults are on wing in October and November, and again after hibernation in early spring, when breeding occurs.

The young larvae feed on various trees and shrubs, including Salix species (including Salix caprea and Salix myrsinifolia), older larvae also feed on low growing plants such as Rumex species. Other recorded food plants include Betula (including Betula pubescens), Rubus idaeus, Malus domestica, Sorbus aucuparia, Prunus padus, Tilia species (including Tilia cordata), Vaccinium myrtillus, Syringa vulgaris and Viburnum opulus.

Adults are attracted to Hedera helix blossom and decaying fruit, including Rubus fruticosus.

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