Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2317 (ABH73.214) White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis, (Linnaeus, 1767)

KR09546

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
White-spotted Pinion
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, May 2005
Monks Wood, May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, May 2005
Monks Wood, May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
Monks Wood, ex larva May 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This is one of three rather similar Cosmia species found in the UK. This species has much larger pure-white markings on leading edge of forewing.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes come to light, males more often than females.

Forewing length: 14-16mm.
Foodplant(s): elms (Ulmus spp.)
Flying: One generation, late July-late August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Proposed Red Data Book

Habitat

Elm woodland and hedgerows, preferring the presence of large elms.

Regional Information

Recorded in 66 (24.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 July to 06 September

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

Similar Species
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
ex. Larva, Staughton Moor
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Lesser-spotted Pinion Cosmia affinis
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Lunar-spotted Pinion Cosmia pyralina

Proposed Red Data Book

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