73.200 BF2235  -  Noctuidae -  Xyleninae - Lithophane semibrunnea - Tawny Pinion Adult Macro:  CAT 2 - Can be confused with other species - Can be confused with other species       PDF Icon - click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Green -  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >> . >>  Noctuidae ID Difficulty:  amber  - care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Pale Pinion
ID pointers: Looks remarkably like a piece of plant stem, twig or tree bark. Has same flight time and habits as Pale Pinion, which needs to be carefully eliminated, especially dark forms.. The key feature is a tawny and blackish coloured tornal spot on the trailing edge of the forewing. A dark honey coloured crest on top of the head and narrow appearance to the wings with a straighter leading edge than Pale Pinion, with a less arched costa.
Distribution:  (First record: 31/10/1986 )  -  (Last record: 31/03/2025 at Darwin Forest, Matlock )  -  Danes shows 45 records between 1986 -2013. IRecord shows 1 record in 2009 and 6 records 2020 – 2025. It was also recorded in 2006 from South Wood, Calke Estate. The species is only record in very small numbers each year and remains a rare moth within the recording area.
Flight Period: March /  April /  May /  October /  November /  -  On the wing October – November and March – May. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   - and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes -  Photographed By: Brian Hallam, Dave Evans, David Knass:  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 4 April 2025 by TD ***
Wingspan: 40-44mm
Forewing: 16-20mm
Food Plant: Ash (Fraxinus excelsior).
Last Recorded Date: 31/03/2025
Last Recorded Year: 2025
First Recorded Date: 31/10/1986
First Recorded Year: 1986
Last Recorded By - Dave Evans
Last Recorded General Area - Darwin Forest, Matlock

IMAGES BELOW:  

Findern – Brian Hallam© / Darwin Forest (2025) Dave Evans©/ Belper (2023)(2024) Dave Evans© Mellor© (2024) David Knass©

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