Lithophane ornitopus (Hufnagel, 1766) Species
Last modified: June 4, 2024, 12:10 p.m.
In general a rare to very rare species in Flanders (mainly known from the Kempen area) and fairly common in Wallonia.
This species is considered Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List category for Flanders 2023.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Noctuidae > Subfamily: Xyleninae > Tribus: Xylenini > Genus: Lithophane > Subgenus: Lithophane > Species: Lithophane ornitopus
- Vernacular names
- Lichtgrijze uil (NL), Grey Shoulder-knot (EN), La Xyline du Chêne (FR), Hellgraue Holzeule (DE)
- Synonyms
- Lithophane rizolitha (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Sélys-Longchamps E. 1844. Énumération des insectes Lépidoptères de la Belgique. — Mémoires de la Société royale des Sciences de Liége 2: 1–35. On page 13.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 32–40 mm.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Bionomics
Like other Lithophane species, the larva is known for its cannibalistic behaviour. It pupates in a sturdy cocoon underground and hibernates as an adult under loose bark or in another sheltered situation.
The adults are active from dusk onwards and later come to light and sugar.
Flight periods
The adults fly mainly in September and October, sometimes till December, and after hibernation again in March till the end of April, occasionally later.
Observed on
- Host plant (genera):
- Quercus
The larva lives on various deciduous trees, but mainly on Quercus.
