Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

27 July 2003   (top and bottom)

Eudeilinia herminiata is one species of hooktip moth for which the apex of the forewing does not curve into a hook shape.  Superficially, it resembles any of the smallish white geometrid species much more closely than another drepanid.  The wings are white, with faded, dashed antemedial and postmedial lines.  According to Covell (1983), this species can be distinguished from similar geometrids by its shorter, stouter body, and simple antennae.  Note the black shading on the forelegs on the bottom photo.  Covell indicates a wingspan of 2.5 to 2.8 cm.

The larvae of Eudeilinia herminiata feed on several species of dogwood (Handfield, 1999).  For my general area, Handfield indicates a flight season from the later part of May to early August for this species.

I have recorded this species only once at my location, in 2003, on 27 July.  This record came about in a rather different way from most.  I did not observe the moth alive, visiting my lights outdoors, but found this specimen in the house, tucked away behind a box, from its condition apparently fairly recently deceased.  I assume it was attracted to the outdoor lights and slipped inside during the many comings and goings during one of several evenings of high moth activity and visiting moth enthusiasts.