Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

4 May 2003   7:40PM EST

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

The soft rust colors of the forewing of Lithophane semiusta help to distinguish this species from other Lithophane species.  The antemedial and postmedial lines are both evident as double lines filled with a pale tan.  Orbicular and reniform spots are also fairly obvious, as paler outlines with variable amoungs of slightly darker filling.  The outer part of the median area is darker rust, surrounding the reniform spot and continuing across the wing to the inner margin.  The terminal area is divided into a paler area between the subterminal line and the pm line, and a darker area with a grayish overlay between the st line and the fringe.  The hindwing is paler in color.

The larvae of Lithophane semiusta feed on chokecherry, basswood and popular.  According to Handfield (1999), this species hibernates as an adult, with flight seasons in my general area from early April to mid-May, and from early September to late October.

I have photographed this species only once, in 2003 on 4 May.