Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis, (Linnaeus, 1767))

Noctuidae: Xyleninae

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

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

Photo © Peter Bissell

ex. Larva, Staughton Moor

Photo © Peter Bissell

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Pupa Case, ex larva, Staughton Moor

Photo © Peter Bissell

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 75 (27.8%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2021

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

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

Similar Species