PINION MOTHS
Bethune's Pinion at Germantown MetroPark on April 10, 2024. I have seen this species in October and November, and also from February through April. They hibernate during the winter, like many pinion moths.
I came across this Bethune's Pinion while doing late fall garden clean-up. These moths are nocturnal, but my gardening activities disturbed this moth from its hiding place.
Buckeye Pinion (Lithophane joannis). This species was first discovered in Greene County, Ohio. The original specimens were found at John Bryan State Park. These moths have a rather limited range. I find them at my moth bait in March.
Broad Ashen Pinion moth, also known as the Triple-spotted Pinion. This species is very similar to the Ashen Pinion (below), but the orbicular spot is divided into three lobes rather than two, with three dots inside the lobes. I have found a few Broad Ashen Pinions at both lights and bait, in November and also in February.
Dowdy Pinion moth, photographed at Sugarcreek Reserve. This species lives up to its name; it is basically plain gray except for the pale, round orbicular spot.
I have found several Dowdy Pinions in the months of February and March, and also one in late October. This individual was attracted with moth bait.
This is an Ashen Pinion moth. The orbicular spot is doubled rather than tripled. I have found a few Ashen Pinions in March and also October and November.
Bethune's Pinion at my UV lights. They come to both lights and moth bait.