Hemina Pinion Moth

High shoulders on both color forms of the Hemina Pinion give a cloak-like appearance to this woodsy moth.

Updated: 5/18/2020; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

Hemina Pinions are dimorphic moths. Some individuals are mostly black with tan edges, and others have a lighter form that is tan with only small patches of dark on the wings. Like some other Pinion moths, a thick row of hairs on the thorax give it a ‘pointy shoulder’ look. The caterpillar feeds on deciduous trees like birch, chokecherry, and oak. Adults are woodland dwellers, well camouflaged among host trees, and are nocturnal.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Noctuidae

Genus: Lithophane

Species: hemina

Identifying Information

Scientific Name: Lithophane hemina

Category: Butterfly or Moth

Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 22mm (0.78in to 0.86in)

Colors: black; tan; brown

Descriptors: dimorphic; black sooty; smudged; pointed shoulders; high shoulders; collar; light rings; dark patches; flying

Territorial Map

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Territorial Reach (A-to-Z)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.

Butterfly and Moth Anatomy

Graphic showing basic anatomy of a common North American butterfly and moth insect

Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.

Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.

Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.

Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.

Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.

Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.

NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.

Hemina Pinion Moth (Lithophane hemina)

Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Hemina Pinion Moth.

High shoulders on both color forms of the Hemina Pinion give a cloak-like appearance to this woodsy moth.