Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

23 May 2003  (specimen captured 22 May 2003)  (top and bottom)

Both photographs are of the same specimen, captured the previous day, rephotographed and released.

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

Lithophane pexata is more vividly marked than many of the other locally occurring Lithophane species.  The forewing is overall a fairly dark brownish gray, somewhat mottled.  One's eye is caught first by the glistening white of the heavy streak above the basal dash.  Antemedial and postmedial lines are at least partially visible, and the subterminal line is preceded by a paler grayish tan shade.  The orbicular and reniform spots are clearly indicated, outlined in black.  The center of the reniform spot is orange, with darker brown at upper and lower ends.  Seen from the side, there are several scale tufts protruding upwards from the thorax and abdomen.

The larvae of Lithophane pexata feed on alder, which I have not found in my immediate vicinity, possibly the reason why I have seen this species only once at my lights.  According to Handfield (1999), this species overwinters as an adult, with flight seasons in my general area from early April to early June, and from early September to late October.

I have photographed this species on only one occasion, in 2003 on 22(23) May.