Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Anacampsis conclusella None MONA_number: 2233.00		Anacampsis conclusella has an overall grayish to grayish-brown color, with the forewing having numerous black spots or blotches, including three along the costa at one-fifth, one-half and three-fourths the wing length from the base. The last spot adjoins a pale white postmedial line that strongly curves out on the costal half, then becomes sinuous or obscure from there to the inner margin (Forbes, 1923). The area immediately basal to the postmedial line is often a shade or two darker than the overall grayish ground color of the forewing. A line of parallel, diagonal dark spots that extend from the inner margin are usually evident, with one near the wing base, and the second near the middle of the wing. The area beyond the postmedial line is often lighter than the remainder of the wing, and there is a row of terminal black dots near the base of the fringe. The antenna is blackish with white annulations, with those of the outer third of the antenna more widely spaced and only on every other segment. The second segment of the labial palp is fuscous, while the third segment is lighter and with a somewhat diffuse black bar. Anacampsis conclusella can be confused with A. consonella and A. rhoifructella, but these lack the three dark spots along the costa and have antennae that have the white annulations uniformly spaced, as opposed to being more widely spaced on the terminal third as seen in A. conclusella. Anacampsis conclusella also resembles what appears to be an undescribed species (‘Anacampsis New Species 2’), but the latter differs in its forewing patterning and genitalia.	Our records come from a wide variety of habitats, ranging from mountain fens to dry sand ridges in the Coastal Plain, with many from residential areas.	As of 2025, the host plants appear to be undocumented.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5
Mompha albocapitella White-based Mompha MONA_number: 1448.00	The genus Mompha consists of around 46 described species in North America. In addition, numerous species remain to be described that are centered in the southwestern US (Bruzzese et al., 2019). The adults are small moths that have two or more tufts of raised scales on each forewing. The larvae either mine leaves, or bore into the stems, flower buds, flowers, or fruits of their hosts. The majority of species feed on members of the Onagraceae, but others feed on species in the Cistaceae, Lythraceae, Melastomataceae, and Rubiaceae.	The following is based in part on the description by Chambers (1875b). The head and thorax are silvery white and the antenna brown. The labial palp is silvery white, with the second joint brown on the outer surface, and the third dusted with brown beneath. The forewing ground color is brown, and faintly streaked or marbled with ocherous and whitish scales. At the base of the forewing, there is a broad, silvery white bar that extends from the inner margin before terminating just before the costa. This, together with the thorax, produces a large white, oval region. Along the inner margin at about one-half the wing length, there is a whitish scale tuft that is partly grizzled by brown scales. The tuft extends inwardly and becomes fragmented into smaller elements. A second whitish or pale tuft is present in the PM area. Both tufts are weakly margined posteriorly with brownish black scales. At about four-fifths, there is a thin, longitudinal, black dash near the middle of the wing, along with a white spot on the costa below the dash. The remainder of the wing is very coarsely mottled with light brown and darker brown regions. The hindwing is brown and the cilia on both wings grayish brown. The legs are brownish with pale to whitish regions near the joints.	The larvae feed on evening-primroses, but the specific hosts and habitat requirements in North Carolina are poorly documented. Several of our specimens are from a xeric community in the Sandhiils and along the coast.	Murtfeldt (as cited in Chambers, 1879) noted that the larvae feed on both cultivated and wild species of Oenothera, particularly Missouri Evening-primrose (O. macrocarpa). This species does not occur in North Carolina, where other Oenothera are undoubtedly used.	The adults occasionally visit lights. We also recommend inspecting the flowers and developing buds of native Oenothera species and rearing the adults in order to better document host use within the state.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S2S3]	As of 2024, we have only a few county records for North Carolina even though the presumed host species (Oenothera spp.) are common statewide. More information is needed on habitat requirements, host plants, and distribution and abundance before we can accurately assess the conservation status of this species in North Carolina.
Metaxaglaea viatica Roadside Sallow MONA_number: 9944.00	One of five species in this genus that occur in North America, all of which have been recorded in North Carolina.	Metaxaglaea viatica, violacea, and semitaria are all medium-large Noctuids with similar wing patterns: dentate postmedian and antemedian lines; large, red-encircled orbicular and reniform spots and a contrastingly dark band between the postmedian and the subterminal lines. Externally, they differ primarily in color, which can be subtle and highly dependent on the lighting conditions. The ground color of viatica is usually a leather brown, with less red/violet than violacea and less yellow/orange than semitaria (see Schweitzer (1979) for details).	Our records come from a variety of habitats, including Maritime Forests, Longleaf Pine Savannas and Sandhills, lakeshores and swamps, and upland ridges.	Larvae are polyphagous, probably feeding primarily on members of the Rosaceae, and have been found in the wild on apple (Malus), chokeberry (Aronia), and mountain-ash (Sorbus) (Wagner et al., 2011). In captivity, larvae also accept blueberry (Vaccinium), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), and oak (Quercus), although with variable results and with at least some of these hosts becoming unsuitable as their leaves mature (Schweitzer, 1979). In North Carolina, a larva has been recorded feeding on Winged Elm (Ulmus alata).	Like other Metaxaglaea, this species appears to come well to both blacklights and bait.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	With a statewide distribution, association with a number of common host plants and common habitats -- including residential areas -- this species appears to be secure within the state.
Calosima dianella Eastern Pine Catkin Borer Moth MONA_number: 1169.00		The following is based primarily on the description by Dietz (1910) and Clarke (1960; as Holcocera lepidophaga). The labial palp is slender, reaches to the antennal insertion, and is sordid white and dusted externally with fuscous. The third joint is three-fourths the length of the second. The antenna is slender and simple, and is creamy white to sordid white with narrow, dark annulations. The head, thorax, and forewing vary from silvery or creamy white to ocherous buff or even darker. The forewing of whitish specimens often has a faint clay-colored wash on the apical fourth. The hindwing tends to be concolorous with the forewing, but slightly lighter overall. The legs are silvery white, and often heavily dusted with fuscous. This species varies geographically. Many specimens are creamy white, but in some populations they are light brown or tannish overall. Some populations also have individuals with fine blackish specks or spots on the forewing. As of 2021, specimens that we have observed in North Carolina are creamy white. BOLD data suggests that this taxon may contain two cryptic species. Like so many members of the subfamily Blastobasinae, there is much work that needs to be done on this and related taxa. Holcocera concolor is very similar to the whitish forms, but is restricted to Canada and the New England states. The males have a notch at the base of the antenna, but otherwise must be separated using genitalia.	Populations appear to be strongly dependent on Slash Pine and Longleaf Pine for successful reproduction. These species are most commonly found in habitats with sandy soils. Slash Pine is not native, but is widely planted for wood products in southeastern North Carolina. Longleaf Pine grows in sandy areas in both wet and dry situations. It is common in the Sandhills, in wet pine flatwoods and savanna, and many other communities. In the Piedmont, it sometimes grows on xeric slopes.	Heppner (2003) listed Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) and Longleaf Pine (P. palustris) as hosts. Specimens have been observed outside of the range of these species, which suggests that other pines may be used.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S3S4]	As of 2021, we have only three site records for this species, suggesting that it may be uncommon within the state. More detailed information on its distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements are needed before we can assess its conservation status.
Calosima albapenella MONA_number: 1647.00				Host plants are apparently unknown.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Caloptilia invariabilis Cherry Leaf-cone Caterpillar Moth MONA_number: 609.00	Caloptilia is a large genus with nearly 300 described species; 64 species have been described from North America north of Mexico. The larvae mostly feed on woody plants and begin as leaf-mining sap-feeders. The latter instars usually exit the mines and feed within a conical roll that begins at the leaf apex or at the tip of a leaf lobe.	The adults are rather uniformly colored on the forewings, upper thorax, upper head, and labial palps with deep saffron. Crimson and pale blue reflections are sometimes evident on the forewings, and the costal margin is often lighter than the remainder of the forewing. Some specimens have a row of minute brown costal specks (Eiseman, 2019). The tibia and femur of the front and middle leg are dark reddish fuscous to black, and are noticeably darker than the forewing ground color. The tarsi are white with dark spots near the tarsal joints and varying amounts of fuscous dusting. The rear legs are lighter than the front and middle legs and uniformly dusted with fuscous coloration.	Populations in North Carolina appear to be common at higher elevations, perhaps because of the strong reliance of this species on Fire Cherry.	Caloptilia invariabilis specializes on Prunus species, particularly Fire Cherry (P. pensylvanica). Braun (1935) found specimens on Chickasaw Plum (P. angustifolia) in the Great Smoky Mountains, while Robinson et al. (2002) listed Black Cherry (P. serotina) and Choke Cherry (P. virginiana) as hosts for Canadian populations (Eiseman, 2019). In North Carolina, our only record is for Black Cherry.	Adults are attracted to UV lights. Larvae can be located by searching for curled leaf-tips on Fire Cherry or other Prunus species in the mountains.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4
Caloptilia cornusella None MONA_number: 600.00		The following is based on the original description by Ely (1915). based on numerous reared adults. This species has a dark purple ground color on the forewings, thorax, and upper head. The forewings have two golden patches on the costal margin. The larger one extends from the basal fourth to nearly the middle of the costa, while the second is widely separated from the first and very small. The face is pale lemon yellow and the labial palps are yellowish white and annulate with black just before the apex. The antenna is brown with fine yellowish annulations at the joints. The cilia are dark gray, with two distinct black lines extending around the apex and well into the dorsal cilia. The tibia and femur of the front and middle leg are dark purple, while the tarsi are white with fine dark markings near the tarsal joints. The hind leg is yellowish with brown shading. This species resembles C. bimaculatella, but has a dark purple ground color, widely separated costal patches, a posterior costal patch that is reduced in size, and a yellow face (white in C. bimaculatella).	Local populations are typically associated with hardwood forests and the edges of wetlands.	This species specializes on dogwoods. Documented hosts found in North Carolina include Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Swida alternifolia) and Gray Dogwood (S. racemosa) (Eiseman, 2022). So far we only have records for Alternate-leaf Dogwood.	The adults are attracted to UV lights and larvae can be collected by searching for the mines rolled leaves on native dogwoods.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S1S3	Our two records for North Carolina as of 2023 may reflect disjunct populations of what is generally a more northernly distributed species.
Caloptilia belfragella Dogwood Caloptilia MONA_number: 594.00		The following is based in part on the original description by Chambers (1875a). The head is purplish brown except for the white face. The labial palp is white, with a dark dot on the tip of the second segment. The third segment is often tipped with brown. The antenna, thorax and ground color of the forewing are all purplish brown. The costal 'triangle' is very pale lemon yellow and becomes truncate or rounded before terminating at the fold. The yellow mark extends posteriorly as a rather wide band along the costal margin to the cilia, and often has a series of small dark spots present along the costal edge. The fringe is light grayish brown to purplish brown with one or two darker lines usually evident along the outer half. The anterior and middle legs are purplish brown and the tarsi are white with little evidence of spotting on the tarsal joints. The hindleg is whitish, except for the purplish brown apical half of the femur.	Both the hosts and habitats are poorly documented. The larvae depend on dogwoods (genus Swida; formerly Cornus), and our native species include ones that inhabit alluvial floodplains and wetland fringes to more mesic conditions. We also have records from coastal scrub and dune sites, an annually burned seepage area, and a high-elevation mesic site in the Blue Ridge.	The only known host are Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Swida alternifolia), Silky Dogwood (S. amomum) and Rough-leaf dogwood (S. drummondii). Records of this species feeding on Sumac (Rhus) and a blueberry (Vaccinium) are thought to be erroneous (Eiseman, 2019; 2022). In North Carolina, we have records for Alternate-leaf Dogwood and Stiff Dogwood (Swida foemina).	The adults occasionally visit lights, and the rolled leaves are easy to spot on native dogwoods.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SU
Caloptilia azaleella Azalea Leafminer Moth MONA_number: 592.00	Caloptilia is a large genus with nearly 300 described species; 64 species have been described from North America north of Mexico. The larvae mostly feed on woody plants and begin as leaf-mining sap-feeders. The latter instars usually exit the mines and feed within a conical roll that begins at the leaf apex or at the tip of a leaf lobe.	The adults have a dark brown ground color on the upper head, thorax, and forewings with a conspicuous pale yellow patch that extends from about one-quarter of the basal region to near the apex. The patch is widest near the median area and narrows posteriorly. A row of minute dark dots typically occurs along the costal margin within the yellow patch, and two or more dark bands are often evident in the cilia. The tibia and femur of the front and middle leg are dark brown, and contrast with the white tarsi below that have dark marks near the tarsal joints. The rear leg is uniformly light straw-colored to whitish, with dark marks at the joints (often faint). The face is white and the labial palps are pale yellow with dark tips. Caloptilia superbifrontella is somewhat similar but lacks the conspicuous black spots near the tarsal joints (typical of azaleella) and has a yellowish streak at the base of the forewing that extends to the dorsum of the thorax. C. superbifrontella also typically lacks the fine black spots along the costa that are characteristic of C. azaleella.	Because this species uses ornamental azaleas as hosts, it is primarily found in city, suburban, and rural landscapes where azaleas are planted.	This species is only known to use azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) as hosts (Eiseman, 2022). Non-native, ornamental azaleas appear to be the primary hosts. In North Carolina, Tracy Feldman has reared a larva from Rhododendron.	Adults occasionally come to lights. Ornamental azaleas should be checked for evidence of leaf mines and leaf shelters.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [SNA]	C. azaleella does not merit any conservation concerns given that it is an introduced species that appears to rely almost entirely on ornamental azaleas as hosts.
Callopistria granitosa Granitose Fern Moth MONA_number: 9632.00	This is a very large genus found worldwide. We have 5 species in the US and Canada of which 4 occur in North Carolina. The genus contains reddish species which feed on ferns and is likely polyphyletic, including our 4 species.	The forewing pattern of this species is thin silver crosslines on a brick red background. There is a silver horseshoe mark in the reniform but much smaller than in C. mollissima. The forewing is gently rounded at the apex as in C. cordata, without an excavation as seen in C. floridensis and C. mollissima.	The majority of our records come from Longleaf Pine savannas and flatwoods, habitats where Bracken is common, but strangely fewer records from sandhills habitats where Bracken is more frequent. We additionally have a few records from peatlands, at least where penetrated by roads; in the Mountains, we also have a single record from a fairly mesic habitat, although with some open fields also present.	Larvae feed on ferns (Beadle & Leckie, 2012). In North Carolina, a single larva was found on a bracken fern (Pteridium sp.). Whether this species is an obligate feeder on it in our state remains to be seen; at least a few of our records come from areas (e.g., peatlands) where bracken is scarce or absent but where more mesophytic species of ferns are common.	Attracted to lights but we have no records of it coming to bait or attracted to flowers.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S2S3]	We have few records for this species and it appears to be more of a habitat specialist than either C. cordata or C. mollissima. More studies need to be done to determine its host plants, habitat associations, distribution, and abundance before any conclusions can be reached about its conservation status.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Callizzia amorata Gray Scoopwing MONA_number: 7650.00			Our records come mainly from mesic hardwood forests but with one record from a rich levee forest. We do not have any records from dry sites with a mixture of pines, where Coral Honeysuckle can be common.	Larvae feed on honeysuckles, including bush-honeysuckle (Diervilla) but perhaps not Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) (Wagner et al., 2001). Snowberry (Symphoricarpos) is used at least in the Pacific Northwest (Pacific Northwest Moths Website, accessed 2022-11-17). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Callima argenticinctella Orange-headed Callima MONA_number: 1046.00		This is a colorful and easily recognizable species with pronounced labial palps and a well-defined brown saddle behind the yellowish-brown thorax. The detailed description that follows is based in part on that of Clarke (1941). The head is pale to golden-yellow and the thorax yellowish brown. The second segment of the labial palp is blackish fuscous, while the terminal segment and antenna are banded black and white. The ground color of the forewing is pale to golden-yellow with rich brown markings. At the wing base there is a large broad brown band that is margined on both sides with a silvery white stripe with narrow black margins. The band and stripes extend from the inner margin across most of the wing before terminating before reaching the costa. A second broad band extends from the inner margin near the tornus and terminates about mid-way. This band is margined on all three sides with a silvery white stripe (sometimes partially lead colored) that is narrowly edged with black scales. The band and adjoining areas of the fringe are sometimes dusted with blackish scales. An outwardly oblique postmedian silvery bar extends from the costa to about one-half the distance across the wing. The cilia are golden-yellow except for a small area before the tornus which is fuscous. The termen usually has a narrow dusting of silvery white or lead-colored scales and a broader zone of rufous and blackish scales. The hindwing and cilia are fuscous. The fore and middle legs are chiefly black and white, while the hind leg is lighter. The abdomen is fuscous.	The larvae feed on the decaying bark of hardwoods and are generally associated with hardwood or mixed pine-hardwood forests, as well as wooded residential neighborhoods.	Clarke (1941) reported that the larvae feed on the dead wood and bark of hickories (Carya spp.), larches (Larix spp.), elders (Sambucus spp.), and elms (Ulmus spp.). Hodges (1974) reported them on the bark of elms (Ulmus spp.). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	This species is widespread across much of the state and is seemingly secure.
Calledapteryx dryopterata Brown Scoopwing MONA_number: 7653.00				Larvae feed on Viburnum, especially Possumhaw Viburnum (V. nudum), Smooth Blackhaw (V. prunifolium), and related species (Wagner et al., 2001). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S4S5]
Cagiva cephalanthana None MONA_number: 3818.00				Larvae reportedly feed on Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) (Bottimer, 1926). We do not have any host records in North Carolina.
Caenurgia chloropha Vetch Looper Moth MONA_number: 8733.00			The vast majority of our records come from open, herbaceous habitats. It is particularly common in savannas, flatwoods, sand ridges, and maritime dunes in the Coastal Plain.	Larvae feed on vetches (Vicia spp.) and other legumes (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina a larva was reared on Wire Grass (Aristida stricta ).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Cadra cautella Almond Moth MONA_number: 6022.00		"I can sometimes tell these, but the small, gray phycitines are best dissected, because there are several species, easily told by genitalia" (Scholtens, 2017)		Larvae are reportedly polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of plants, including many crop species. Among the hosts listed by Robinson et al. (2010) are apple, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, corn, onion, peanut, pear, rice, rose, soybean, tobacco, and wheat. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Cacotherapia unipuncta None MONA_number: 5639.00			Liebherr (1977) observed larvae in a commercial vineyard. Although both the moth and grape mealybugs are native, we are unaware of any observations that have been made of these species on native species of grapes. The mealybug, moreover, is polyphagous, feeding on a number of plant species in addition to grapes -- it is considered an important pest of pears and other species of Prunus. Our records for the moth come from natural habitats where native grapes can be expected to occur but we have no direct evidence that they are strictly associated with grapes.	Larvae feed on scale insects (Forbes, 1923), including grape mealybugs (Planococcus citri) that Liebherr observed feeding on grape vines (Liebherr, 1977). Liebherr reported that larvae shelter under the loose bark of grape vines.			[GNR] S3S4
Cacotherapia unicoloralis None MONA_number: 5638.00				The hosts are apparently undocumented.
Cabnia myronella None MONA_number: 6037.00				The hosts are apparently undocumented.
Anacampsis consonella None MONA_number: 2233.10		Harrison and Berenbaum (2014) reported that A. consonella is very similar to A. rhoifructella in terms of coloration and patterning, and often is best identified using other features, including the phenology, coloration of the mature larva, and differences in morphology of the male and female genitalia and the 8th abdominal tergite. For very fresh specimens, the authors noted that the forewing of A. rhoifructella from the base to the fascia appears pale brown with a few medium-brown scales. In addition, the medium-brown spots contrast markedly. In A. consonella, this area of the wing is heavily suffused with medium-brown scales so that it appears somewhat darker, with the spots less contrasting. However, even moderately-worn specimens of the two species are indistinguishable and generally require dissection. The following description of A. rhoifructella by Harrison and Berenbaum (2014) also applies to A. consonella, except as mentioned above and in the description that follows. When viewed from above, the adults have an overall medium-brown color, including on the head, thorax, hindwing and most of the forewing. The light-brown scales that predominate on the forewing are intermixed with numerous darker, medium-brown scales in the basal two-thirds of the wing. A light-tan, irregular, transverse fascia is present at around four-fifths the wing length that expands into a small blotch on the costa. Four diffuse and relatively dark blotches are present near the middle of the wing that include one at around one-fifth the distance from the wing base, a pair at around one-half, and a final blotch at three-fifths. The outer margin has a row of small black dots where it adjoins the fringe. The latter is nearly concolorous with wing and has five alternating bands of pale and dark scales. The hindwing is uniformly brown and slightly darker than the forewing, while the fringe is slightly paler than the wing, with three alternating bands of pale and dark along outer margin. The legs are brown laterally, with the apices of basal four tarsomeres yellowish-brown.		The larvae feed on Viburnum, and Smooth Blackhaw (V. prunifolium) appears to be the primary host (Harrison and Berenbaum, 2014). Nannyberry (V. lentago) is also a known host (iNaturalist; BugGuide). As of 2025, we do not have any host records for North Carolina.	The adults are attracted to lights and the leaf-folds can be found on Smooth Blackhaw and other viburnums.		GNR SNR [SNR]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Anacampsis rhoifructella None MONA_number: 2248.00		Harrison and Berenbaum (2014) reported that A. rhoifructella is very similar to A. consonella in terms of coloration and patterning, and often is best identified using other features, including the phenology, coloration of the mature larva, and differences in morphology of the male and female genitalia and the 8th abdominal tergite. For very fresh specimens, the authors noted that the forewing of A. rhoifructella from the base to the fascia appears pale brown with a few medium-brown scales. In addition, the medium-brown spots contrast markedly. In A. consonella, this area of the wing is heavily suffused with medium-brown scales so that it appears somewhat darker, with the spots less contrasting. However, even moderately-worn specimens of the two species are indistinguishable and generally require dissection. Harrison and Berenbaum (2014) redescribed A. rhoifructella, and the following is based primarily on their account. When viewed from above, the adults have an overall pale-brown color, including on the head, thorax, hindwing and most of the forewing. The ground color of the forewing is light-brown and has a few darker, medium-brown scales in the basal two-thirds of the wing. A light-tan, irregular, transverse fascia is present at around four-fifths the wing length that expands into a small blotch on the costa. Four diffuse and relatively dark blotches are present near the middle of the wing that include one at around one-fifth the distance from the wing base, a pair at around one-half, and a final blotch at three-fifths. The outer margin has a row of small black dots where it adjoins the fringe. The latter is nearly concolorous with wing and has five alternating bands of pale and dark scales. The hindwing is uniformly brown and slightly darker than forewing, while the fringe is slightly paler than the wing, with three alternating bands of pale and dark along outer margin. The legs are brown laterally, with the apices of the basal four tarsomeres yellowish-brown.	Local populations commonly are found in open woods and woodland borders where Viburnum prunifolium and certain other viburnums are abundant.	The larvae feed on Viburnum, and earlier reports of this species feeding on sumac fruits are erroneous (Harrison and Berenbaum, 2014). Smooth Blackhaw (V. prunifolium) appears to be the primary host, but other species are occasionally used (Schaffner, 1959; Harrison and Berenbaum, 2014; BugGuide). These include Southern Arrowwood (V. dentatum), Nannyberry (V. lentago) and Rusty Blackhaw (V. rufidulum).	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found in leaf folds on the host plants.		GNR S3S4
Haimbachia albescens Silvered Haimbachia MONA_number: 5488.00				Host plants appear to be unknown.			GNR S1S2
Anacampsis rhoifructella-consonella complex MONA_number: 2248.10
Buckleria parvulus Sundew Plume Moth MONA_number: 6098.00		Identifiable from photographs (D. Lott, pers. comm. to JBS).		Larvae feed on sundews (Drosera), including Spoonleaf Sundew (D. intermedia), Dwarf Sundew (D. brevifolia), and Threadleaf Sundew (D. filiformis) (Matthews et al., 1990). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]
Bucculatrix staintonella None MONA_number: 513.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This species is variable in coloration and patterning. The following description is based from Braun (1963). The face and head are white, while the tuft is typically white, but usually with ocherous or brown hairs centrally. The eye-cap is white and the antennal stalk pale ocherous gray. The thorax is white, with a pale ocherous median stripe. The forewings vary markedly in patterning among populations and individuals. Some individuals are pure white, with merely a few brownish black-tipped scales at the apex and in the cilia of the termen. In many cases individuals are creamy white with more or less well-defined oblique and longitudinal ocherous streaks. In addition, a more or less distinct line of blackish scales extends from just within the margin of the termen to the apex of wing, and a small, but often conspicuous dot of black raised scales is present beyond the middle of the fold. Braun's (1963) description of distinctly marked individuals follows, but expect intermediates between these and the pure white forms. The costal margin near the base is often dark brown. Just within the costal margin there is a line of pale ocherous scales. This line of scales meets a very oblique narrow ocherous or dark-dusted streak before the middle of the costa. The streak bends and runs parallel to the costa just before reaching the middle of wing. Its apex meets a second, less oblique and broader costal streak with dark-tipped scales that sometimes crosses the wing. On the costa beyond the second oblique streak, there is a more or less defined triangular patch of ocherous or fuscous-tipped scales. These are sometimes represented as a third, subterminal costal streak. In addition to these marks, there is an ocherous streak along the fold, a rather broad ocherous streak or spot beyond the middle of the inner margin, and a small black dot on its inner edge on the fold. A small group of black raised scales is present just basally to a marginal row of scales on the termen. It continues as a black line to the apex of the wing. At the tornus, there sometimes is an elongate group of dark-tipped scales. The cilia may also have scattered, dark-tipped scales that sometimes form a line in the cilia of the termen. The hindwings and cilia are usually pale grayish, rarely ferruginous ocherous. The legs are whitish, with the tarsal segments tipped with dark brown. The abdomen has fuscous shading above. Given the level of variation among individuals, this species is best identified by using either genitalia, genetic markers (barcoding), or rearing from known host plants. This is one of only three Bucculatrix species that are known to use asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) and the only one that uses Sneezeweed (Helenium).	The preferred habitats are poorly delineated. Our two records from Scotland County are from Yellow Sneezeweed, which is typically found in open, sunny habitats such as roadsides, heavily grazed pastures, and waste places. There is one record from the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains, suggesting that this species may use asters in the western part of the state.	Documented hosts include species of aster (Symphyotrichum), including Heartleaf Aster (S. cordifolium), Smooth Blue Aster (S. laeve), Calico Aster (S. lateriflorum), as well as Yellow Sneezeweed (Helenium amarum), Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea), and Gray Goldenrod (S. nemoralis). As of 2024, our only host record in North Carolina is for Yellow Sneezeweed.	Adults occasionally visit lights. We also recommend searching for the leaf mines and rearing the adults to better document the habitat requirements and host use in North Carolina.		GNR SNR [S1S3]	As of 2021, we have only two records for the state. This species has likely been widely overlooked within the state and additional information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we has assess its conservation status.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Bucculatrix speciosa None MONA_number: 527.00		This is a distinctive Bucculatrix that has five white spots on an otherwise dull brown forewing. The following detailed description is based on that of Braun (1963) based on specimens that she collected in West Virginia. The face is creamy white, while the antennal stalk is dark brown with narrowly paler annulations. The head tuft has a few creamy white hairs toward the face, but is otherwise shaded from reddish brown to dark brown posteriorly and centrally. The eye-caps are creamy white and very small, with the basal half fringed with long hairs. The thorax and forewings are dull brown, with the exception of the basal dorsal area below the fold to the first dorsal white spot that is more dull grayish ocherous. There is a pale ocherous region from the base of the costa to the fold. The most conspicuous marks are five whitish spots. These include 1) an oblique white costal spot at three-eighths, 2) a similar white spot at five-eighths, 3) a larger curved white spot before the middle of dorsum whose apex is directed toward the first costal spot, 4) a smaller triangular white spot before the tornus, 5) and a small white spot at the apex that is followed by a small black spot. The cilia along the outer margin are reddish brown, with marginal scales projecting irregularly into them. The hindwings are fuscous with reddish cilia. The legs are dark brown, with the tips of the tarsal segments paler.	The larvae feed on goldenrods and local populations are restricted to sites where the host plants are present.	Braun (1963) found the larvae and pupae on an unspecified species of goldenrod (Solidago). Other than this, very little is known about the host species.	The larvae are attracted to UV-lights, although perhaps only weakly so.		GNR SNR [S1?]	This species appears to be rare within the state, with only a single record as of 2024. More information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we can accurately assess its conservation status within North Carolina.
Bucculatrix solidaginiella None MONA_number: 485.00		This is a small white moth (large for the genus) with pale ocherous to brown dark ocherous streaks. The following description is based on Braun (1963). The head and antenna are white, with the white antenna shading outwardly to pale fuscous in dark-marked individuals. The thorax and ground color of the forewing is white, with the latter having a series of pale ocherous to brown dark ocherous streaks. A longitudinal streak that broadens outwardly is present that runs from the base of the wing along the midline to about one-third the wing length. This streak is frequently faint or absent. Three streaks originate along the costal. An oblique streak extends from the basal third of the costal where it often meets a second costal streak that is slightly less oblique. The second streak passes across the wing to a group of dark-tipped scales on the termen. A third costal streak that is less oblique and more diffuse than the second also crosses the wing and extends to the termen. Near the dorsal margin there is a single ocherous streak that originates near its middle and rarely touches the dorsal margin. It sometimes meets the second costal streak near the termen and often has a few black scales in the fold (absent is pale specimens). A line of blackish-tipped scales extends from the middle of the termen to the apex. On some specimens it continues as a brown hair pencil to the tips of the apical cilia where it contrast with the otherwise whitish costal cilia. The cilia below the apex are duller ocherous and have a line of dark scales that meet the apical pencil at an acute angle. The hindwing and cilia are brownish ocherous and the legs are whitish. Many Bucculatrix are best identified by genitalia and we consider our records for Bucculatrix solidaginiella as being provisional. Bucculatrix montana is very similar, but the angle between the blackish streak and the line of blackish scales on the cilia is typically less acute. Bucculatrix solidaginiella is a goldenrod specialist that causes tip damage. Rearing records would be helpful in documenting localities for this species in North Carolina.	This species is generally found at sites where goldenrods are present, including fields, woodland borders, and open woodlands.	Bucculatrix solidaginiella is a goldenrod (Solidago) specialist. It probably uses numerous species of goldenrods, but more data are needed on host species. Eiseman (2022) specifically lists Elmleaf Goldenrod (S. ulmifolia), which is very rare in North Carolina. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	The adults occasionally appear at lights. Rearing records are needed for North Carolina and we recommending searching for damaged shoot tips and rearing adults following the spring warm-up.		GNR SNR [S1?]
Bucculatrix recognita None MONA_number: 564.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This is a minute yellowish-brown moth. The head is cream white, with a dorsal tuft that is variably shaded with brown or ocher. There are three light fascias, along with an apical dark spot and faint dark ciliary line that are sometimes poorly developed. The following detailed description is from Braun (1963). The eye-cap is creamy white and conspicuously dotted with brown-tipped scales. The antennal segments are annulated, with each segment shading from buff to dark brown, or with an occasional pale segment near the tip of the antenna. The thorax and tegulae are pale yellow and conspicuously dotted with brown-tipped scales (or sometimes minute dark dots). The ground color of the forewing is pale yellow to orange (occasionally cream), but darker specimens appear to be dusted with dark brown. There are three very oblique parallel costal streaks that are composed of the pale ground color, with areas that are more heavily dusted in between. These begin along the costa at about one-fifth, one-half, and three-fourths, and all three streaks extend to the middle of the wing. The third is most sharply defined, with a line of darker scales located along its inner margin. A patch of raised black scales is located along the midpoint of the inner margin, followed by scattered dark-tipped scales. Some specimens have a short, oblique, pale streak from near the tornus that meets the third costal streak at an acute angle (about 60°). Just before the apex, there is a whitish triangular spot that is partly in the cilia. The wing tip has a small irregular black apical spot from which a faint line of dark-tipped scales extends along the termen. Both the spot and the line are sometimes lacking or obscure. A second more conspicuous line in the middle of the whitish cilia curves around the apex from the whitish triangular spot to the tornus. The hindwing is yellowish-white to silvery gray (Braun, 1963). The legs are pale yellow, with the white hind tarsal segments black-tipped. Braun (1963) noted that this species can be recognized easily when the ground color of the forewing is a bright yellow orange-ocherous and the pale markings are distinctly yellow. Specimens in which the clear yellow of the ground color and markings is obscured by dark dusting, or where the basal area of the wing if abraded, cannot be easily differentiated from B. packardella except by genitalia. Bucculatrix luteella is similar but lacks the apical dark spot and ciliary line, while B. packardella has only two light streaks instead of three.	Braun (1963) did not describe the habitat where she collected North Carolina specimens, but Montane Oak-Hickory Forest seems likely, with White Oak the most likely host plant.	The hosts are poorly documented. Larvae use Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) in Canada, and presumably use other members of the White Oak group such as White Oak (Q. alba) or Chestnut Oak (Q. montana) elsewhere (Braun, 1963). Eiseman (2022) lists White Oak as a host. We do not have any larval records in North Carolina.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S1S2]	This species is currently known in North Carolina only from one historic site and one newly discovered site. Its suspected host plants, however, are common and widespread, and the same may eventually be found to be true for the moth as well. Currently, however, we have too little information to accurately assess its conservation status.
Bucculatrix quinquenotella None MONA_number: 555.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This is a tiny moth with an ocherous forewing that has three costal and two dorsal silvery spots. The silvery spots are usually broad and brilliantly lustrous. The following detailed description is from Braun (1963). The face is whitish ocherous, and the tuft reddish ocherous to brownish ocherous. The eye-cap is white, and the antennal stalk annulated with brown. The thorax is brownish ocherous, and the tegulae and extreme base of the forewing is pale whitish ocherous. The forewing ground color is pale ocherous to dark brownish ocherous, and the marks are brilliant silvery and more or less iridescent. There is a large patch of black raised scales at the middle of the dorsum that lies just within the dorsal margin and attains the fold. A silvery spot is present immediately anterior to this. There are three oblique and equally spaced silvery marks on the costa. The first extends obliquely across the wing to the dorsal margin, is just basal of the patch of raised scales, and is broken on the fold. The second extends from just before the middle of the costa, is shorter and narrower than the first, and does not reach the middle of the wing. The third is at two-thirds of the costa and points towards the tornus. Its apex is a little beyond a larger triangular spot on the dorsum that is near the tornus. At the apex there is a black apical spot that contains a few raised scales. It is margined inwardly by a narrow curved silvery iridescent streak that does not reach either margin. The ground color is deepened by dark-tipped scales between it and a silver spot near the tornus. A few raised black scales (easily lost) are on the termen just above the tornus. A line of black-tipped scales at the base of the cilia curves around the apex and continues to the tornus, and is connected at the apex to the black apical spot by the raised scales. The hindwing and cilia vary from pale brownish or reddish ocherous to dark fuscous. The legs are pale ocherous, and shaded with fuscous in the darkest specimens only. The abdomen is pale ocherous, sometimes darkened above with dark fuscous shading. Braun (1963) noted that Bucculatrix quinquenotella is closely allied to B. trifasciella, but differs in the brilliant luster of the marks, in having an additional silvery spot on the dorsum basad of the raised scales, and the position of the ciliary line, which is connected to the apical spot in B. quinquenotella, but separated from it in B. trifasciella. Specimens in poor condition are best separated from B. trifasciella by differences in genitalia, especially those of the females.	The habitats are poorly documented. The only documented host is Northern Red Oak, which is commonly found in rich hardwood forests at mesic to somewhat drier sites.	Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) is the only documented host (Eiseman, 2022). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	The adults regularly visit lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [SH]	We only have historical records from Highlands from 1958.
Bucculatrix ochrisuffusa None MONA_number: 553.00				Larvae feed on oaks, including White Oak (Quercus alba) (Robinson et al., 2010). In North Carolina, our only host record is for Turkey Oak (Q. laevis).			GNR SNR [S1S2]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Bucculatrix new species 3 - on Ulmus alata MONA_number: 577.25
Bucculatrix new species 1 MONA_number: 577.10		This appears to be an undescribed species of Bucculatrix. As of 2024, it is currently only known from a few sites in the eastern Piedmont. Note the two patches of dark-tipped scales near the middle of the wing and the patch of raised scales along the inner margin.		The host plants are unknown.			GNR SNR [S1S2]
Bucculatrix montana Mountain Bucculatrix MONA_number: 486.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This is a small white moth (large for the genus) with ocherous, tan, or sometimes dark brown streaks. The following description is based on Braun (1963). The head is white, with a few fuscous hairs in the whitish tuft. The antenna stalk is pale fuscous. The thorax and ground color of the forewing is white. The forewing is marked with ocherous, is more or less fuscous dusted, and sometimes has dark fuscous streaks. A longitudinal streak usually is present, running from the base of the wing along the midline to the cell. In darker specimens it may join the apices of the three costal streaks. There are three equally spaced, posteriorly oblique, fuscous costal streaks. The first begins just before the middle of the costa and bends towards the middle of the wing to join the end of the second costal streak. The second streak runs into some fuscous dusting on the termen that is connected to the third streak, which may appear more as a fuscous blotch. Just beyond the the middle of the inner margin, there is a curved fuscous streak that bends back along the fold and often joins the ends of the first and second costal streak. From the termen just before the apex, there is a distinctive streak of blackish fuscous scales that extends to the tip of the apical cilia. The cilia are whitish, except just below the apical fuscous line. A fine line of scattered dark-tipped scales in the terminal cilia meets the fuscous apical line at a very acute angle at about half its length. The hindwing is pale fuscous, and darker in the males, especially in dark-marked specimens. The legs are pale ocherous, and the hind tarsal segments are tipped with fuscous, except in the palest specimens. Braun (1963) notes that the most distinguishing character of B. montana is the blackish streak extending in a line with the longitudinal axis of the wing from near the apex of the wing to the tip of the apical cilia. Many Bucculatrix are best identified by genitalia and we consider our records for B. montana based on images as being provisional. Bucculatrix solidaginiella is very similar, but the angle between the blackish streak and the line of blackish scales on the cilia is more acute.		The hosts appear to be undocumented. Beadle and Leckie (2012) state that Sweet Gale (Myrica gale) is used, but we are unaware of the source for this statement. Sweet Gale is an extreme disjunct in the Southern Appalachians and is currently known from just one site in North Carolina (Weakley, 2015) that does not correspond to our moth records.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S1S3]	This species is poorly known in general, without any information on its host plants or habitats. It appears to be scarce in the Southeast, and we have just a few records as of 2022. Far more needs to be known about its distribution, host plants, and habitat associations before we can assess its conservation status.
Bucculatrix luteella None MONA_number: 563.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	The following description is based on that of Braun (1963). The head is white, and the tuft white with a few yellow hairs in darker specimens. The eyecap is white, and the antennal stalk white with distinct brown annulations (pale females often have very obscure annulations). The thorax and ground color of the forewing are creamy white or pale yellow. The ground color shades to pale orange in the middle of the wing, where it forms the inner margin of an oblique costal streak of the pale yellow ground color. The streak eventually blends with the pale ground color below the fold. On the middle of the dorsum there is a patch of dark brown raised scales that varies in size, and is sometimes entirely absent. Beyond the oblique costal streak, the deeper color of the costal half of the wing borders a second pale streak which passes obliquely across the wing to the termen. In pale specimens these two oblique streaks are scarcely differentiated. In darker specimens, some of the orange scales are minutely dark-tipped. In the apical area, the scales are creamy white, with yellow and pale orange intermixed. Both the apical spot and ciliary line are missing. However, darker males have a slight deepening of color at the extreme tips of a few of the scales projecting into the cilia. The cilia is concolorous with the pale ground color. The hindwing varies from yellowish white in some females, to pale fuscous in the male. The legs are creamy white, while the abdomen has fuscous shading above. Braun (1963) notes that the configuration of wing markings of this species is the same as in B. packardella, from which it is easily distinguished by the absence of an apical spot and ciliary line.	The hosts are poorly documented, with White Oak being the only definitive host. This common and widely distributed tree species is found in mesic to somewhat drier conditions, particularly in the Piedmont and lower elevations in the mountains. The moth, however, has only been recorded in mesic, montane forests.	This species is an oak specialist. The only documented host (Eiseman, 2022) is White Oak (Quercus alba), but other members of the white oak group are likely used. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	The adults appear to rarely visit lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S1S2]	There are very few records for this species in the eastern US, and only two site records for North Carolina, one of which dates from 1959. It is uncertain if this reflects the fact that adults are not attracted to lights, or true rarity.
Bucculatrix locuples None MONA_number: 571.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This is a tiny black moth with a conspicuous dark head tuft, along with two costal and two dorsal spots. The following detailed description is based on that of Braun (1963). The face is lustrous pale ocherous, and the tuft dark reddish brown to rarely paler. The eye-cap is pale ocherous, while the antennal stalk is dark fuscous with broad whitish annulations in the outer half. The thorax is reddish black. The forewings is black with lustrous pale golden spots (short streaks). Along the costa there is a triangular oblique spot before one-half the wing length, and a slightly less oblique spot at about two-thirds. Just before the middle of the inner margin, there is a triangular spot that reaches to the fold or beyond and is bordered outwardly by a large patch of black raised scales. At the tornus there is a second triangular spot. The cilia are gray, with a line of black-tipped narrow scales extending from the costa before the apex to the tornus. The hindwing is speckled with dark fuscous and the cilia are concolorous. The posterior tibia, except for the hairs, is yellowish silvery. The first tarsal segment is blackish, and the remaining segments silvery, with darker tips. The abdomen is dark bronzy fuscous above.	The larvae are specialists on alders, and presumably only use Hazel Alder in North Carolina. This species is a wetlands species that can be found is a variety of wet settings, particularly where there is substantial sun exposure. Representative habitats include stream margins, freshwater marshes, the edges of beaver ponds, and wet thickets.	The known hosts are the introduced Gray Alder (Alnus incana) farther north, and our native Hazel Alder (A. serrulata) (Eiseman, 2022). The latter is the presumed host in North Carolina, and our only larval record is for this species. Green Alder (Alnus crispa) might also be used at higher elevations in the mountains.	The adults appear to only very rarely visit lights and most records are for leaf mines or adults reared from mines. We recommend searching alders for the mines during the summer and fall months.		GNR SNR [S2S3]	As of 2021, we have only two site records. Additional information is needed on the distribution and abundance of this species within the state before we can accurately assess its conservation status.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Bucculatrix inusitata None MONA_number: 496.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	Braun's (1963) monograph on North American species of Bucculatrix remains the authoritative work on this group. The following is based on her study of specimens from throughout the range of this species. The head is white and the tuft may have a few brownish hairs. The antennal eye-cap is white, while the stalk is pale grayish ocherous and darker towards the tip. The thorax is white. The ground of the forewing is lustrous white and the markings ocherous. From just beyond the base to one-third the wing length, there is a pale longitudinal streak that is often faint or absent. Beginning at the basal third of the costa, there is an oblique streak that curves outward below the costa and narrows. It usually meets a second oblique costal streak behind it. This streak also narrows before extending as a narrow line to a small group of black-tipped raised scales on the termen near the tornus. At two-thirds, there is an irregular spot of variable size, with dark-tipped scales. These often encroach upon a triangular white area immediately before the apex and partially in the cilia. This triangular area extends across the wing to the group of dark-tipped raised scales near the tornus. Along its outer margin the smooth lustrous white scales of the general ground color form a narrow, almost irridescent bar lying alongside of the black-tipped scales which margin the termen. A second line of scales is present in the cilia, which are white before the apex, fuscous tinged opposite the apex, and white at the tornus. Their dark tips are at about the basal third of the cilia and curve inward near the apex toward the terminal line of black-tipped scales. From the middle of the dorsum there is a more or less distinct oblique streak that curves to the middle of the wing. The hindwings and cilia are grayish ocherous, while the legs are dull ocherous and shaded with fuscous. Braun (1963) notes that the best distinguishing wing characters of this species are the pure white triangular costal area before the apex, and the narrow lustrous white bar along the termen. The latter stands out sharply when light strikes it at an angle.	The hosts are unknown and the habitat requirements are undocumented.	There is one record of this species being raised from Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) based on a museum label, but Braun (1963) questioned the validity of this since this species belongs to a group of Bucculatrix that are either stem borers or gall formers on composites.	The adults appear to rarely visit lights.		GNR SNR [S1?]	As of 2021 we currently have only one record for the state. Additional data are needed on the distribution and abundance of this species before we can assess its conservation status.
Bucculatrix canadensisella Birch Skeletonizer Moth MONA_number: 560.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This is a minute, dark brown and white streaked moth. The following description is based on that by Braun (1963). An even more detailed description is in Friend (1927). The face is whitish to grayish brown, and the tuft white with a brown center. A broad zone of white is present below the tufts and thorax due to white coloration on the head, tegula, and the base of the forewing. The eyecap is white, and the antennal stalk has narrow brown annulations. The ground color of the forewing and thorax is dark brown to reddish brown. There are three posteriorly oblique white streaks that extend from the costa to the middle of the wing. One begins at one-fifth the wing length, the second at the middle, and the third at about three-fourths. The inner margin has a short, white, posteriorly oblique streak just before the middle that nearly meets the apex of the first costal streak. A patch of black raised scales borders the streak posteriorly. A second and less oblique dorsal streak occur at the tornus and is slightly anterior to the third costal streak. The wing tip has a black apical spot that is partially or completely surrounded by white scales. The fringe is reddish brown with a faint, irregular line of dark-tipped scales that extends from above the black spot to the tornus. The hindwing is gray, and the cilia brownish or reddish tinged. The legs are brown outwardly, with the tarsal segments broadly brown-tipped. The general patterning of Bucculatrix canadensisella is similar to that of B. coronatella. It can be distinguished based on its much darker ground color, and the broad zone of whitish wash below the tufts and thorax.	Records from North Carolina, as well as records from Tennessee and Kentucky, come from elevations above 4,000 ft. The host plants in those areas were Yellow Birch in stands of northern hardwoods (Shafale and Weakley, 1990).	The larvae specialize on birches (Braun, 1963; Eiseman, 2019). The known hosts include European White Birch (Betula pubescens), Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), Sweet Birch (B. lenta), River Birch (B. nigra), Water Birch (B. occidentalis), Gray Birch (B. populifolia) and Paper Birch (B. papyrifera). There are two records of larvae using B. alleghaniensis in the southern Appalachians (Braun, 1963), including one from North Carolina.	The adults are attracted to lights. Friend (1927) noted that the adults often rest on ground vegetation such as ferns during the day and can be easily collected by sweep-netting. They make daily migrations into birch trees to mate. We recommend searching for the mines on birch leaves to better document host use and habitat requirements for North Carolina populations.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S1S2]	Based on the few records collected so far, this species appears to be associated with high elevation stands of Northern Hardwoods, where it may be one of a number of Pleistocene relicts that persist in our mountains. If so, then it may be significantly threatened by reduction in cool moist forests due to the effects of global climate change. However, much more information is needed on its distribution, host plants, and habitat preferences in North Carolina before any conclusions can be reached about its conservation status.
Bucculatrix angustata Narrow Bucculatrix MONA_number: 522.00	Bucculatrix is a large genus of small leaf-mining moths, with around 300 species worldwide. A total of 103 Nearctic species have been described, and many others will likely be described in the future. Braun (1963) covered 99 species in her monograph, and four additional Nearctic species have been described since then.	This is a very small moth with a distinctive white patterning on a darker background. The following description is based on the description by Braun (1963). The face is white and the tuft whitish with a median brown line. The eye-cap is whitish, while the antennal stalk is pale brownish white with dark brown annulations toward the apex. The thorax is pale to dark brown, with the median area usually darker. The ground color of the forewing is dark brown (especially females) to whitish brown, and marked with non-silvery white streaks. A prominent longitudinal white streak runs from the base out to about three-fifths the length of the wing and is bordered with a zone of dark brown dusting on both sides. Two white, posteriorly oblique streaks extends from the costa towards the middle of the wing. The first begins at about one-half the wing length and curves towards the middle of the wing. The second is at about three-fourths, is slightly less oblique, and has a distinctive black spot or dash at its apex. Dark shading is often evident between the two streaks. Two similar, posteriorly oblique white streaks occur on the inner margin, one beginning at about one-half and the other at three-fourths. These often enclosed a dark crescent-shaped region between them. A dark spot located at the apex of the wing may also be partially or nearly completely encircled with an often triangular-shaped white mark. A line of dark-tipped scales curves around the apex through the pale cilia. The hindwing is narrowly lanceolate and is pale brownish gray. The legs are pale brownish gray, with the tarsal segments black-tipped. Braun (1963) noted that the black dot or short longitudinal line at the tip of the second costal streak is a good diagnostic character. It is especially noticeable in paler specimens, and is often discernible in much worn and nearly denuded specimens.	The habitats that are preferred are poorly documented. Based on host plants, they probably include open woods and woodland edges, as well as more open, sunny sites such as old fields and roadways.	The larvae use members of at least three genera of composites, including Asters (Symphyotrichum), Goldenrods (Solidago), and Fleabanes (Erigeron). Asters appear to be the most important hosts (Eiseman, 2019). The known hosts include Heartleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), Drummond's Aster (S. drummondii), Smooth Blue Aster (S. laeve), Calico Aster (S. lateriflorum), New England Aster (S. novae-angliae), New York Aster (S. novi-belgii) and Annual Fleabane (E. annuus). In North Carolina, mines have been found on Symphyotrichum.	The adults come to blacklights but we do not have enough information to estimate how often. We recommend searching for leaf mines and rearing adults to better document host use and preferred habitats in North Carolina.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]	This species may turn out to be widespread in the western half of the state, but we currently do not have enough information to estimate its conservation status.
Bondia crescentella Crescent-marked Bondia MONA_number: 2319.00				The hosts are apparently undocumented.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]
Bleptina inferior Inferior Owlet Moth MONA_number: 8371.00	One of seven species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010); three have been recorded in North Carolina.	The ground color is a dull, dark grayish brown, with a violet sheen in fresh specimens (Forbes, 1954, described as Bleptina medialis). The antemedian and postmedian lines are obscure but the subterminal line is usually evident. The filling of this line is luteous, but less strongly contrasting than in caradrinalis. The course of this line is more strongly waved than in caradrinalis. The orbicular is usually minute and often has an orange filling. The reniform is usually dark but not contrasting.	This species appears to strongly favor dry to xeric habitats, including both woodlands and open barrens. We have a large number of records from maritime dune grasslands on the barrier islands and on xeric sandhills and bay rims in the interior of the Coastal Plain. In the Piedmont records come mainly from dry open woodlands growing on monadnocks and other dry, rocky woodlands. The same is true for our few records for this species from the Mountains. Records from wet to mesic habitats or from open, old field habitats, conversely, are nearly absent.	Apparently not recorded but larvae presumably feed on dead leaves and other detritus.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S4S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Blepharomastix ranalis Hollow-spotted Blepharomastix MONA_number: 5182.00		This species has a light clay-colored ground on both the forewing and hindwing that is overlain with darker dull brown markings. The costa is shaded brown except for the apical third or so, and the antemedial line is slightly excurved. The orbicular is a well-marked ring, and the reniform a double bar or horseshoe-shaped mark. The claviform is very reduced and often appears as a dark dash or dot. The postmedial line has a stepped pattern that begins on the subapical region of the costa and runs towards the anal angle. It abruptly turns inward before reaching the anal angle, then angles again to run perpendicular -- and in a more sinuous fashion -- towards the inner margin near the middle of the wing. In males, the middle section is usually missing so that there is simply a subapical and median lateral line, while in females the entire postmedial line is often intact (Forbes, 1923). There is a dashed brown terminal line, and the fringe is a shade lighter than the ground color. The hindwing is generally similar to the forewing, with the marks consisting of a single, stepped postmedial line and a discal spot. A rare melanic form has been found in North Carolina that appears to have identical female genitalia to that of the typical form described above. It resembles the typical form but differs in having dark scaling overlaying portions of the ground color, thicker and darker transverse lines, and orbicular and reniform spots that are encircled with dark scales.	Specimens have been observed in a wide range of habitats in North Carolina that range from xeric communities in the Sandhills to a bog and rich hardwood slopes in the Blue Ridge. Many are from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods.	The only reported host is an unspecificied species of Chenopodium (Forbes, 1923).	The adults readily come to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S4S5]	This species is widespread and common in most areas of the state and appears to be secure.
Blastobasis pulchella None MONA_number: 1167.00	Blastobasis is a taxonomically difficult genus, with several undescribed species in North America. There appears to be several poorly resolved species complexes within this and closely related genera. A comprehensive revision of the genus is needed.	The following is based in part on the description by Dietz (1910). The labial palp, antenna, head, and thorax vary from light tannish-brown to darker shades of brown. The forewing has a rather wide, silver white fascia at one-third that is straight. It is sharply defined posteriorly by heavy, dark brown shading that fades posteriorly before reaching a dark discal spot at about the middle of the wing. There are two additional spots at the end of cell at about three-fourths, but these are often completely obscured by a straight, dark brown fascia. The middle and apical regions are more or less suffused with brown and sprinkling with varying concentrations of white scales. The cilia are similar in color to the ground and there is often some fine darker mottling at the termen. The hindwing is pale gray and dusted with fuscous. The legs are brownish with white banding on the tarsi. Pigritia murtfeldtella is similar, but lacks the conspicuous dark spot at mid-wing and the dark fascia at three-fourths. This species also has poorly developed palps that are not visible when viewed from above. Some of the Holcocera species are also similar, but the whitish fascia at one-third typically doesn't reach the inner margin, and the dark fascia at three-fourths is missing (typically, pairs spots are present instead).	The habitat requirements are largely unknown. Most of our records are from residential neighborhoods.	The hosts are undocumented.	The adults occasional visit lights.		GNR SNR [S3S4]	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements of this species in order to assess its conservation status.
Blastobasis floridella None MONA_number: 1160.00				The only recorded host is Zamia pumila (Robinson et al., 2023), which is not present in North Carolina.			GNR SNR [S1?]
Biston betularia Peppered Moth MONA_number: 6640.00			Habitats include barrens, woodlands, and forests (Wagner, 2005). Our records come from upland habitats, including hardwood forests and woodlands, Spruce-Fir forests, and heathlands.	Polyphagaous, larvae feed on a wide range of families of hardwood trees and shrubs. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list maple (Acer), alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), hackberry (Celtis), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), walnut (Juglans), larch (Larix), apple (Malus), oak (Quercus), poplar (Populus), cherry (Prunus), gooseberry (Ribes), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), rose (Rosa), willow (Salix), mountain-ash (Sorbus), elm (Ulmus), and blueberry (Vaccinium). In North Carolina, larvae have been observed feeding on Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and maple.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Bibarrambla allenella Bog Bibarrambla MONA_number: 911.00	Bibarrambla is a monotypic genus. Its sole member (B. allenella) was initially placed in the genus Semioscopis, then moved by Forbes (1923) to Agonopterix. Clarke (1941) later removed it from Agonopterix based on external anatomical and genitalic differences.	The following is primarily based on the description by Clarke (1941). The labial palp is sordid white and lacks a brush. The second segment is shaded or speckled with fuscous and has a narrow, incomplete, brownish-fuscous annulus slightly before the apex. The third segment has a spot anteriorly at the base and a broad, brownish fuscous annulus above the middle. The antenna is sordid white and narrowly annulated with fuscous. The head, thorax, and forewing are grayish white and suffused and speckled with fuscous. At the basal third of the wing there are two fuscous discal spots of raised scales. These are sometimes confluent, and are followed by ochreous and whitish scales. At the end of the cell there is a black-edged, white discal spot of raised scales. These are also followed by some ochreous scaling that may form a diffuse blotch. A series of fuscous spots occurs along the costa and around the termen to the inner margin, and the costa is sometimes narrowly edged with pink. The cilia are sordid white with a broad, pale grayish-fuscous sub-basal band. The hindwing is pale grayish fuscous and darker apically, and the cilia are sordid white with a broad, pale grayish fuscous sub-basal band. The legs are sordid white and suffused and annulated with fuscous except at the joints and on the hind tibia. The abdomen is pale ochreous and suffused with fuscous above. This species is rather nondescript. The two groups of raised scales that approximate the AM and PM lines, and that usually have ochreous scaling behind them, are diagnostic features.	Local populations are associated with hardwood forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests. Our records are mostly from lower to mid-elevations in the mountains, and in habitats that range from floodplain forests to rich hardwood slopes.	Bibarrambla allenella is polyphagous and feeds on a variety of hardwoods, particularly birches and alders (Baker, 1960, 1972; Prentice, 1966; Hodges, 1974; Robinson et al., 2010). The reported hosts include alders (including Gray Alder, Alnus incana), Paper Birch (B. papyrifera), Gray Birch (B. populifolia), oaks (Quercus), and willows (Salix). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SU	As of 2023, we have 10 site records. This species appears to be locally common, but more information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we can assess its conservation status.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Salebriaria annulosella Black-patched Salebriaria MONA_number: 5774.00				Host plants are apparently unknown.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]
Dasylophia anguina Black-spotted Prominent MONA_number: 7957.00			Fields, barrens, powerlines, and woodlands (Wagner, 2005). Our records come from both open habitats, including sandy areas in the Coastal Plain, and woodlands. Both upland and lowland habitats are occupied, and elevations from sea level to over 4,000'.	Larvae feed on a wide range of legumes, with reported hosts including Lespedeza, sweetclover (Melilotus), locust (Robinia), and clover (Trifolium) (Wagner, 2005). In North Carolina, we have observed larvae feeding on Chinese Bush-clover (Lespedeza cuneata), Slender Lespedeza (Lespedeza virginica), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Dwarf Locust (R. nana), and indigo-bush (Amorpha sp.).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]
Pelochrista fraudabilis None MONA_number: 3053.00	Pelochrista is a large Holarctic genus of tortricids with around 75% of the 226 described species being native to North America (Wright and Gilligan, 2017). The highest species richness occurs in the western half of North America. The genus has a long and confusing taxonomic history, with many of the species formerly placed in the genus Eucosma. Gilligan et al. (2014) conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Pelochrista, Eucosma, and related genera and redefined the genus Eucosma and Pelochrista based on differences in female genitalia. The great majority of Pelochrista species are known only from adults, which likely reflects the fact that the larvae of most species bore into stem bases and roots and are concealed from view. Members of the Asteraceae are the likely hosts for most species (Wright and Gilligan, 2017), but much work need to be done to identifying the hosts.	The following is based on the description by Gilligan and Wright (2013): The frons is creamy white, while the vertex, antenna, and thorax are straw yellow. The labial palp is creamy white with pale brown tints on the lateral surface of the second segment. The fore- and mid-legs are pale brown and the hind-legs creamy white, with the tarsi of all with weakly contrasting white annulations. The forewing ground color is straw yellow and is overlain with a metallic-gray subbasal and median bands that extend from the costa to the dorsum. A large circular ocelloid region extends from the tornus nearly to the costa and has the apical quadrant edged by a metallic-gray arc and the anterior portion filled with gray-brown scales with whitish apices. The ocellus consisting of four obscurely defined rows of black dots on a creamy white field, with transverse metallic-gray bars at the proximal, medial, and distal positions. The subcostal area anterior to the ocelloid region is crossed by metallic-gray striae and/or fragments, and the distal one-half of the costa has obscure whitish strigulae. The fringe is brown and the hindwing is brownish gray. Pelochrista fraudabilis is rather distinctive in having a light straw-color, two fascias (crossbands) on the forewing, and a conspicuously marked ocelloid region. Pelochrista fratruelis is similar, but has an orange ground color on the forewing, a dark basal patch, and a single fascia in the basal half of the wing.	In North Carolina our records are all from sandy, xeric habitats that often support Longleaf Pine or xeric adapted hardwoods. The sites all have a well-developed herbaceous ground cover.	The hosts are undocumented.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S1S3	This species is uncommon throughout its range, but the hosts and larval life history are undocumented. In North Carolina, it appears to be restricted to the Sandhills and vicinity in areas with sandy soils.
Acrolophus propinqua Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth MONA_number: 374.00	The genus Acrolophus is a mostly neotropical taxon with over 250 described species, including 54 that are currently recognized in North America. The labial palps on the males of many species are very elongated and densely hairy. The larvae of some species live in silk-lined burrows in the ground and feed on the roots and young shoots of grasses and herbs. However, the life histories of most species remain undocumented and in need of study. Members of this genus were previously placed in their own family (Acrolophidae), but they are now treated as a subgroup within the Tineidae based on molecular phylogenetic studies.	This species varies widely in size and color. Several forms were described as separate species by earlier workers that were later treated as being conspecific with Acrolophus propinqua (Hasbrouck, 1964). Most forms are fairly plain and lack conspicuous spots or streaks of color. The form "busckellus" differs from typical forms by having a whitish streak along the inner margin, and in being speckled with several dark brown spots (Haimbach, cited by Hasbrouck, 1964). The males of A. propinqua have elongated palps that reach the posterior margin of the thorax. They are densely covered with hairy scales and are most typically fuscous, but sometimes darker and almost blackish in some color forms. The male antenna is stout, serrated, reddish to reddish brown, and lacks complete rings of raised scales around the segments. The head, thorax, and forewings are commonly reddish brown to purplish fuscous. The forewings often lack any conspicuous markings, but may be faintly brindled with dark marks. They sometimes have faint dark spotting on the termen and costa. The females are similar, but have short palps that are either held slightly erect or project forward. This species is most reliably identified by genitalic characters.	The larval hosts are undocumented and it is uncertain if this species is dependent on specific hosts to complete the life cycle.	The hosts are unknown. Many Acrolophus live in underground burrows and feed on the roots and young shoots of grasses and herbs. However, there are exceptions and the life history of the larval stage remains undocumented. Heppner (2007) reports grasses are used as hosts, but it is unclear if this is based on actual observation or just inferred based on the hosts of other Acrolophus species.	Both the males and females are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements of this species to assess its conservation status.
Retinia comstockiana Pitch Twig Moth MONA_number: 2889.00		Retinia comstockiana is distinctive among our Retinia species in having a heavily frosted head and thoracic region, along with a light orange ground that is overlain with light gray striae. The following description is based on the descriptions by Fernald (1879) and Forbes (1923). The head and palps are white and the antenna dark brown with white annulations. The thorax and tegula are light powdery gray. The forewing has a light orange to ferruginous brown ground color except for a narrow, dark brown costal edge that extends from the base to near the apex. A series of conspicuous, irregular, whitish to leaden-gray striae extend across the wing roughly perpendicular to the costa. These are concentrated in the antemedian and median regions, and are more widely dispersed in the post median region. The fringe is pale grayish-brown, and the legs are rather boldly marked with brownish-black bands on a whitish background. The hindwing varies from very pale grayish-brown to nearly white and has a whitish fringe.	Populations are found in pine or mixed pine-hardwood stands.	Larvae specialize on pines (Fernald, 1879; Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Kimball and Jones, 1943; Schaffner, 1959; Miller, 1978; Lam et al., 2011) and Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) appears to be the most important host (Miller & Neiswander, 1956). Other known hosts include Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), Red Pine (P. resinosa), Scotch Pine (P. sylvestris), and Loblolly Pine (P. taeda). A site in Madison County where the adults are regularly taken has Pitch Pine present, which is the presumed host. Populations from outside of the mountains likely use Loblolly Pine.	The adults are attracted to lights. Resinous nodules or other feeding signs are often evident on first-year shoot growth.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina. As of 2022 we have fewer than 10 site records for the state.