Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

4 July 2002   1:09AM EST  (top left)
20 June 2001  3:38AM EST  (top center)
20 June 2001   3:37AM EST  (top right)
11 July 2002   11:07PM EST  (bottom)

The top center and top right photographs are of the same individual.

Schizura ipomoeae is one of about half a dozen species of Schizura that may occur in my general area, most of which are illustrated on this web site.  Schizura ipomoeae has several recognized forms, and all the specimens I have seen at my location have been of the black-shaded form called "cinereofrons".  It is, however, possible that I have failed to recognize the typical form if it has appeared at my lights.

In the form "cinereofrons", the forewing of Schizura ipomoeae is predominantly black, with a light gray to whitish area adjacent to the costal edge, and also a lighter area, often tan-colored, along the inner margin.  The light area next to the costa may be marked with fine black streaks, most noticeable in the bottom photo.  The whitish reniform spot contrasts sharply with its black background.

At rest, Schizura ipomoeae usually holds its wings in a "tent" position, and the wings may appear to be partly rolled around its body.

The larvae of Schizura ipomoeae feed on birch, sugar maple, beech, elm and a variety of other deciduous plants (Handfield, 1999).  They also apparently feed on morning glory, which has led Covell (1984) to call this the Morning-Glory Prominent.  According to Handfield, the flight season in my general area is from mid-June through early August.

I have photographed this species in 2001 on 20 June; in 2002, on 4, 7, 11, 15 and 22 July.