Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

2 July 2003   9:42PM EST  (left)
3 July 2003   (right) (specimen collected on 2 July 2003)
Both photos are of the same specimen.

My initial identification of this species was based on Hodges, R.W., The Moths of North America North of Mexico, Fascicle 7.1, Gelechioidea Gelechiidae (Part) Dichomeridinae (Washington: Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, 1986), and subsequently checked against specimens in the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa, thanks to the kindness of Dr. J. Donald Lafontaine in arranging access to this resource. 

Dichomeris inserrata is one of a number of Dichomeris species known to occur in the Ottawa area, several of which are quite similar in appearance.  The forewing is blackish, with a yellowish white area along the costa extending at least 3/4 of its length.  The lower edge of the whitish area does not form a smooth curve, but has two "teeth" separated by a curved scallop.  The tooth closer to the outer margin points straight toward the inner margin, and does not have any extension pointing toward the anal angle.  Viewed from above in the resting position, the central black area where the wings meet bulges outward on each side in the middle of the wing.  According to Hodges, the wing length ranges from 5.4 5o 8.3 mm.

Hodges cites several references indicating that the larval host plant is goldenrod.

I have photographed this species in 2003, on 2 and 19 July.