Species Episimus argutana - Sumac Leaftier Moth - Hodges#2701

2701

Witch-hazel Leaffolder Moth

Episimus argutana (Clemens)

Bactra argutana Clemens, 1860

Bactra ? argutana Clemens, 1860 (1)

Specific epithet from Latin argutari meaning "disputed," perhaps for the anomalous nature of the larval habits as described in Clemens' notes. (1)

WS ≈ 13 mm

FW generally appears dull reddish or grayish brown, finely mottled in various shades of brown to blackish. In fresh specimens, the dull color may appear to be overlaid with purple, a point noted in the description by Forbes (1923). A partial darker band about one-third of the wing length from the base often seems to form an angled, squarish blotch. There is some darker shading adjacent to the midpoint of the costa. Creamy white marks in the subterminal area are usually quite distinct. (2)

e. NA, w. Coast to se AZ / W. Indies - Map – MPG

Bivoltine on Block Island, RI, with adult records from late May through early September and peaks in abundance in late June and early July and in August.(3)

Larvae feed on various shrubs, especially Rhus (sumac, poison ivy) and Hamamelis (witch hazel) and, in the south, Euphorbia. (2)

Epiblema abruptana

Clemens, B., 1860. Contributions to American lepidopterology - No. 6. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 12: 358. (1)

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