Lesser-spotted Pinion - Cosmia affinis

Description

Wingspan 28 to 35 mm. One of three rather similar British species.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Frequents woodland, gardens and hedgerows especially were the larval foodplants, English Elm and Wych Elm are present.

When to see it

The adults fly in July and August.

Life History

The larval foodplants are English Elm and Wych Elm - the species has declined as a result of Dutch elm disease.

UK Status

This moth occurs locally in the southern half of England and Wales, with scattered occurrences further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

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

Reference
73.215 BF2316

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Lesser-spotted Pinion
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
4
First record:
26/07/2018 (Robinson, David)
Last record:
16/08/2023 (Robson, Jeremy)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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