Overwintering Moths...

There are some moths that successfully overwinter as an adult. There are several genera of moths in the subfamily Cuculliinae which do just this, most notably the Swordgrass Moths (Xylena), Pinions (Lithophane) and Sallows (Eupsilia). They mostly have a very short flight period in the late fall, hibernate, and then have an even shorter flight in the early spring when the nights are warm enough for them. For me these moths are highly prized because I don't do much mothing at these times due to my birding activities!


This is Lithophane bethunei, aka. Bethune's Pinion. I've caught this species in both late fall and early spring. It is one of the more common Lithophane species in southern Ontario. The larvae feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including apple, ash, maple and hickory.


Another view of Bethune's Pinion. In UK moths in this genus are called "shoulder-knots". Is a great name since these moths do indeed have knotty shoulders!