- Scientific name: Lithophane viridipallens
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need (MA State Wildlife Action Plan)
- Special Concern (MA Endangered Species Act)
Description
Pale green pinion moth, Lithophane viridipallens
The pale green pinion (Lithophane viridipallens) is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 38-42 mm (1.5-1.7 in). The forewing is pale, greenish-gray, with fine, double, gray to black postmedial and antemedial lines that are sometimes obscure. A diffuse, rust-colored to black median line is often present. There is a fine, black basal dash. The reniform spot is finely outlined in black, sometimes filled with rust-colored shading. A black patch of scales proximal to the reniform spot separates it from the orbicular spot, which is also finely outlined in black, sometimes filled with pale shading, but often obscure. The hind wing is grayish-brown, darker toward the outer margin and with a dark discal spot. The head and thorax are concolorous with the greenish-gray of the forewing, and the abdomen is of a color similar to the hind wing.
Life cycle and behavior
In Massachusetts, adult pale green pinion moths emerge in October and overwinter, flying on warm nights in autumn and occasionally unusually warm nights in winter. In early spring mating and oviposition occur. Larval host plants have not been documented in Massachusetts but presumably consist of a variety of acidic wetland shrubs (Wagner et al. 2011). Larvae complete development and pupate by June.
Distribution and abundance
The pale green pinion moth is spottily distributed along the coastal plain from Massachusetts south to New Jersey, with a more continuous range from New Jersey south to Georgia and west to Louisiana (Wagner et al. 2011). In Massachusetts, this species is restricted to areas of suitable habitat in the eastern part of the state.
Distribution in Massachusetts.
1999-2024
Based on records in the Natural Heritage Database.
Habitat
In Massachusetts, the pale green pinion moth inhabits acidic, shrubby wetlands, including wooded swamps, shrub swamps, shrubby bogs, and pond shores.
Healthy habitats are vital for supporting native wildlife and plants. Explore habitats and learn about conservation and restoration in Massachusetts.
Shrubby pond shore on acidic, sandy soil, habitat for the pale green pinion moth. Habitat managed by DCR at Myles Standish State Forest.
Threats
The pale green pinion moth is threatened by habitat loss and hydrologic alteration that disrupts the natural seasonal flooding of its habitat. Other potential threats include invasion by exotic plants, introduced generalist parasitoids, eutrophication or other water pollution, riverbank armoring, aerial insecticide spraying, non-target herbicide application, and off-road vehicles. The effect of a warming climate may not be detrimental to this species in Massachusetts; its range extends south to Georgia, suggesting adaptation to warm temperatures.
Conservation
Land protection and habitat management are the primary conservation needs of the pale green pinion moth in Massachusetts. In particular, acidic, shrubby wetlands, including wooded swamps, shrub swamps, shrubby bogs, and pond shores should be conserved, restored, and managed to maintain habitat for this species and other species dependent on such habitat.
Survey and monitoring
The distribution of the pale green pinion in Massachusetts is relatively well documented, though somewhat less than some species due to its autumn and early spring flight seasons. Known populations of this species should be surveyed to document persistence at least once every 25 years; every 10 years is more desirable when practicable.
Management
Management of acidic, shrubby wetlands, including wooded swamps, shrub swamps, shrubby bogs, and pond shores should include restoring and/or maintaining natural hydrology and control of invasive exotic plants. Shrub thickets in these habitats should be maintained, as these presumably include larval host plants. Habitat condition should be monitored and management adapted as needed.
Research needs
The natural history and conservation needs of the pale green pinion moth are only partially understood. In particular, its specific larval host plants in Massachusetts are not known. The future effects of a warming climate on this species are unpredictable and should be documented.
References
Wagner, D.L., D.F. Schweitzer, J.B. Sullivan, and R.C. Reardon. 2011. Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. 576 pp.
Contact
| Date published: | March 21, 2025 |
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