Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2316 (ABH73.215) Lesser-spotted Pinion Cosmia affinis, (Linnaeus, 1767)

KR09548

ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Pupa Case, ex larva, Staughton Moor
Pupa Case, ex larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pupa Case, ex larva, Staughton Moor
Pupa Case, ex larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

This is one of three rather similar Cosmia species found in the UK.

 

Pupates in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 12-16mm.
Foodplant(s): elms (Ulmus spp.)
Flying: One generation, mid July-late August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Local

Habitat

Elm woodland and hedgerows

Regional Information

Recorded in 77 (28.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 22 June to 05 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 09 May to 14 June

Similar Species
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Lunar-spotted Pinion Cosmia pyralina

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, white, yellow, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5