Pale Pinion - Lithophane socia

Wingspan 38 to 42 mm. Similar to the Tawny Pinion, with the same thoracic and abdominal crests, but these lack the blue-green iridescence.

Woodland and well wooded areas.

The moths are on the wing in October and November, and reappear after hibernation in early spring, when breeding occurs.

The caterpillars live on trees and shrubs such as Willow and when more mature also feed on low plants such as Dock.

With a similar, but slightly more western distribution to Tawny Pinion (L. semibrunnea), tending not to reach quite as far north, it is most common in the south-west. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).