Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

28 July 2006   9:56PM EST  (top left)
3 June 2005   10:26PM EST  (top right)
28 May 2006   8:58PM EST  (bottom left and right)
The bottom two photos are of the same specimen.

My initial identification of Episimus argutanus was based on Internet resources, and the identity of several specimens was subsequently confirmed by Dr. Jean-François Landry, of Agriculture Canada.  Some additional information has been obtained from Forbes, William T.M., The Lepidoptera of New York and Neighboring States, Primitive Forms, Microlepidoptera, Pyraloids, Bombyces (Ithaca, New York: Cornell University, 1923).

The forewing of Episimus argutanus generally appears dull reddish or grayish brown, finely mottled in various shades of brown to blackish.  In fresh specimens the dull color may appear to be overlaid with purple, as in last two photos above, a point noted in the description by Forbes (1923).  A partial darker band about one-third of the wing length from the base often seems to form an angled squarish blotch.  There is some darker shading adjacent to the mid point of the costa.  Creamy white marks in the subterminal area are usually quite distinct.  Forbes (1923) indicates a wingspan of 13 mm.

According to Forbes (1923), the larvae of Episimus argutanus feed on various shrubs, especially Rhus (sumac, poison ivy) and Hamamelis (witch hazel) and, in the south, Euphorbia.  Several Internet sources refer to the species as the Witch-Hazel Leaf-Folder Moth.  Forbes (1923) further indicates that the adult Episimus argutanus flies in May; however, my limited records indicate a longer flight season extending at least into August.

My records to date for Episimus argutanus (each date representing "the night of") are in the table below: