Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

23 June 2003   7:47PM EST  (top)
20 June 2005   9:36PM EST  (bottom)

My initial identification of Eurrhypara hortulata, also known as the Small Magpie Moth, was based on specimens in the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa, with thanks to Dr. J. Donald Lafontaine of Agriculture Canada for arranging access.  I have also relied on Munroe, E., in Dominick, R.B. et al., The Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 13.2A, Pyraloidea Pyralidae (Part) (London: E.W. Classey, 1976) for information on this species, which was introduced from Europe early in the 20th century.

Eurrhypara hortulata has a striking appearance, with its pattern of black spots and bands on a white background.  The forewing has several dark markings in the basal area, a blotch of black in the median, a postmedial line marked by a series of closely spaced blackish spots, and another row of black spots along the outer margin.  There is also a blackish streak running the length of the costa.  The hindwing is white, with postmedial line and terminal band of black similar to those of the forewing.  The fringe of the forewing is black; that of the hindwing, white.  The head and thorax, and the base of the forewings are extensively covered with bright yellow-orange scales.

Munroe (1976) lists a wide variety of food plant for the larvae of Eurrhypara hortulata, including nettle, white horehound, woundwort, mint, bindweed, currant and other plants. He indicates an adult flight season mainly in July.

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