Photo © David G Green

Lesser-spotted Pinion

Cosmia affinis

Checklist Number
73.215 [B&F: 2316]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Xyleninae
Genus:Cosmia
Species:affinis
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1767)

Local in woodland and hedgerows throughout much of southern England and Wales, south of a line from the Mersey to the Wash. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight Dutch elm disease has played havoc with the population of this elm-feeding species; formerly fairly widespread and not uncommon locally where there were tall elms but it has now all but disappeared. Wingspan 28-35 mm. The most likely confusion species is Lunar-spotted Pinion C. pyralina, which see for differences. Larva feeds on English Elm, Small-leaved Elm and Wych Elm, over-wintering as an egg.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)