Seq # 901690030

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.

No pictures yet!

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.

No pictures yet!