Hodges#9917

Lithophane fagina

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Noctuinae
Tribe: Xylenini
Subtribe: Xylenina
Genus: Lithophane
Species: fagina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lithophane fagina: //lɪˈθɒfeɪnə fæˈdʒaɪnə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CIII by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Lithophane fagina 53618711 by Rob Foster. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lithophane fagina 96719492 by Susan Blayney. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lithophane fagina 53618704 by Rob Foster. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lithophane fagina 96719445 by Susan Blayney. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Lithophane fagina, commonly known as the hoary pinion, is a species of cutworm or dart moth in the family Noctuidae. It is characterized by its distinctive forewing markings and is found across North America, primarily in deciduous forests.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan about 40 mm. Adult forewings are uniformly light to medium gray with faint black streaks and a diagnostic hoary white strip along the basal two-thirds of the costa. Hindwings are dirty yellowish-white with gray veins and a pale fringe. Larvae have a body that is densely speckled pale green.

Identification Tips

Look for the hoary white strip along the costa of the forewing, which is distinctive for this species.

Habitat

Deciduous woods.

Distribution

Found from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and south in the east to Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on leaves of Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), occasionally on Gray Birch (B. populifolia) and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica).

Life Cycle

One generation per year; overwinters as an adult.