Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

18 April 2003   9:10PM EST  (left)
5 May 2003   8:33PM EST  (right)

Lithophane fagina is one of over 20 species of Lithophane that have been recorded from the Ottawa area (J.D. Lafontaine, pers.comm., 2001).

Lithophane fagina is quite distinct from other locally occurring Lithophane species, but to the inexperienced eye, it could easily be confused with other streaky gray moths that occur in the spring, such as Cucullia intermedia (10194), for example.  Seen from above, however, the squared-off thorax that is characteristic of the Lithophane species I have seen, giving the impression of broad square "shoulders", immediately distinguishes L. fagina from other genera.  The long straight wing shape, more square than pointy at the apex, also helps with identification.  The photo at right, because of the angle of view, does not accurately indicate the wing shape.

The forewing of Lithophane fagina is medium gray with a slightly brownish (as opposed to bluish) tone, with faint black streaks.  Lines and spots are generally obscure.  The hindwing is noticeably paler, somewhat whitish with gray-beige shading.

The larvae of Lithophane fagina feed mainly on birch.  According to Handfield (1999), this species overwinters as an adult, with flight seasons in my general area from the end of March through the beginning of June, and from after mid-September to after mid-October. 

I have photographed this species in 2003, on 18 April and on 5 May.