Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

8 July 2003   11:22PM EST  (left)
5 July 2003   9:04PM EST  (right)

My identification of this species is based on comparison of my photos with specimens in the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa, to which access was kindly arranged by Dr. J. Donald Lafontaine of Agriculture Canada.  Nearly 40 Olethreutes species are known to occur in the Ottawa area, and many of them are very similar in appearance.  Many also exhibit great variability of appearance within the species.  My identification is therefore tentative pending expert confirmation based on specimens collected.

Olethreutes inornatana is quite plain in appearance in comparison to most other Olethreutes species, lacking the complex contrasting markings characteristic of many.  Traces of the typical complex lines and spots, however, are still evident on the pale tan area of the wing.  The costal edge and outer margin of the forewing show the beginnings of the various lines in a dark rust-brown.  The thorax is orange-rust in color.  The inner half of the basal area is shaded with brown.  Spread specimens in the Canadian National Collection are somewhat more subdued in color than the fresh live specimens I have photographed.  I have not measured the wing length of this species, but estimate it at less than 10 mm.

A search on the Internet indicates that Olethreutes inornatana is a leafroller on wild black cherry, dogwood and strawberry.

I have photographed this species in 2001, on 9 and 16 July; in 2003, on 5, 8, 10, 13, 22 and 30 July.