Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

10 June 2003   8:39PM EST  (top left)
25 June 2003   8:53PM EST  (top right)
5 June 2003   8:37PM EST  (bottom)

My initial identification of this species was based on Covell (1984) and subsequently checked against specimens in the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa, thanks to the kindness of Dr. J. Donald Lafontaine in arranging access to this resource.

Clepsis melaleucana is one of three species of Clepsis known to occur in the Ottawa area.  The forewing is yellowish cream in color, somewhat variable in the amount of yellow.  A large dark brown blotch extends diagonally upward from the inner margin near the anal angle; when the moth is at rest with its wings closed, these blotches on the two wings form a fuzzy chevron.  Between this large blotch and the thorax, there may be other brown blotches and shading, but these are variable specimen to specimen.  There is a smaller, and usually paler brown blotch at the costal edge near the apex, also.  Covell (1984) indicates a wingspan ranging from 18 to 25 mm.

According to Covell, the larvae of Clepsis melaleucana feed on a variety of plants, including apple, blue cohosh, mandrake, Solomon's-seal and trillium.

I have photographed this species in 2001, on 27 May and on 9 June; in 2003, on 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 22, 25 and 27 June, and on 1 July.