8 April 2014
7 April 2014 – Lithophane
Pale Pinion (Lithophane hepatica)
This moth feeds on sallow catkins in the spring and ivy flowers in the autumn, both of which are to be found at the moment in the gardens – my sneezing is sufficient evidence. The Latin name: Lithophane (Greek lithos, stone; phaino, ‘to appear to be like’) and hepatica ‘liver coloured’, give a rather inadequate description of this insect. ‘Lithophane’ is also the name of translucent porcelain that displays an image when lit from behind – the effect is almost secretive as the image is hidden when viewed under normal light. The Pale Pinion is also described as having cannibalistic larvae. It is another new Spring species and takes the total to 329.
Pale Pinion (Lithophane hepatica) illustration
The illustration (1843) showing the moth in flight gives an indication of the difficulty of identifying moths from their ‘set’ position – as if positioned by the collector. The stitching marking on the edge of the fore-wing is common to both but not much else.
Recent Moths
- 13 July 2022 – Which is which?
- 10 July 2022 – Unusual Plume
- 29 June 2022 – Moths in Disguise
- 20 June 2022 – Headstand Moth
- 17 June 2022 – White-pinion Spotted
- 16 June 2022 – Comfrey Ermel
- 7 March 2022 – Unexpected Gathering
- 9 November 2021 – Muffled against the Cold
- 10 October 2021 – Autumnal Confusion
- 9 September 2021 – Reed Mace and Wainscots
- 25 August 2021 – Caterpillars
- Moth Night – 10 July 2021