Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

14 May 2003   9:02PM EST  (top left)
16 May 2003   8:34PM EST  (top right)
3 June 2003   9:01PM EST   (bottom)

My initial identification of this species was based on Covell (1984) 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.

Syndemis afflictana has a mottled gray forewing with several dominant pattern elements.  A black line extending from the costa to the inner margin usually displays a strong outward scallop just below the midpoint of the wing.  It is followed by a pale gray band.  The outer side of this pale band is defined by a black line followed by a dark gray to gray-brown band.  The outer side of this dark band is not as well defined as the inner side.  The outer part of the wing is heavily mottled in dark gray shades, becoming paler toward the outer margin.  Covell indicates a wingspan ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 cm.

According to Covell (1984), the larvae of Syndemis afflictana eat a wide variety of trees and shrubs, including alder, apple, birch, fir, maple, tamarack and spruce.  The result of an Internet search indicates a common name of Gray Leaf Roller.

I have photographed this species in 2001, on 17, 25 and 26 May; in 2003, on 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 27. 28 and 30 May, and on 1 and 3 June.