Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

26 June 2003   7:57PM EST  (left)
18 August 2004   9:57PM EST  (right)

My initial identification of Pyrausta bicoloralis was based on Covell (1984).  For additional information, I have also relied on Munroe, E., in Dominick, R.B. et al., The Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 13.2B, Pyraloidea Pyralidae (Part) (London: E.W. Classey, 1976).

Pyrausta bicoloralis has a bicolored forewing.  The basal and medial areas are yellow to orange yellow, with a faint antemedial line.  The postmedial area is dark reddish brown or grayish brown.  The hindwing is similar in color and pattern.  In some specimens the forewing fringe is white for a short distance just below the apex, and the hindwing is also partly or mostly white.  The white of the fringe is not always evident, however, as in the photo at right above.  Covell (1984) indicates a wingspan of 1.4 to 1.9 cm for this species. 

According to Covell (1984), the host plant for Pyrausta bicoloralis is unrecorded. Munroe (1976) indicates an adult flight season from June to August in the northern part of this moth's range.

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