Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

11 July 2005   10:09PM EST  (top)
1 August 2004   11:51PM EST  (second row left)
19 July 2004   8:27PM EST  (second row right)
26 August 2005   8:14PM EST  (third row left)
18 August 2005   10:11PM EST  (third row right)
1 August 2004   11:49PM EST  (bottom)

Parapoynx allionealis is one of four species of Parapoynx recorded from the Ottawa area (J.D. Lafontaine, pers. comm., 2001), all of which are illustrated on this web site. My initial identification of Parapoynx allionealis was based on Munroe, E., The Moths of North America North of Mexico, Fascicle 13.1, Pyraloidea Pyralidae (Part) (London: E.W. Classey, 1972-1974) and specimens in the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa.  From the descriptions of Munroe, it is likely that the specimens illustrated above are all of the subspecies Parapoynx allionealis itealis, which occurs in northeastern North America.

Parapoynx allionealis itealis exhibits sexual dimorphism, the male being moderately patterned, whereas the female is much paler, with markings that are faint to absent.

The forewing of the male Parapoynx allionealis itealis is generally whitish, variably overlaid with brown, and with markings that are variably distinct.  Dark spots consistently present in the center of the forewing at about 1/3 and 2/3 the length of the wing; the hindwing has one dark spot, at about the center of the wing.  Both forewing and hindwing are crossed by lines and bands. clearest towards the outer end of the wing, becoming less distinct towards the basal end.  Beginning at the outer margin, the following lines are generally visible:  a yellow-brown line along the outer margin, sometimes with a row of dark dots immediately preceding the fringe; a dark brown to black line that is mostly smooth on the forewing, somewhat scalloped on the hindwing; a wider yellow-brown line, generally edged with dark brown on either side; a dark gray-brown line of variable thickness, usually including or near the inner dark spot on the wing.  Even when the wings have a heavier brown overlay, as in the left photo in the third row, these lines can generally be distinguished, especially on the hindwing. 

The female Parapoynx allionealis itealis is generally very pale to immaculate white.  Traces of pattern similar to that of the male may be faintly present on the wings, and the dark spots seen on the wings of the male are also present, though they may be pale gray and inconspicuous.

According to Munroe (1972), the host plant for Parapoynx allionealis itealis is not certainly known, but studies suggest the larvae feed on floating pondweed.

My records to date for Parapoynx allionealis itealis (each date representing "the night of") are in the table below: