Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Hemaris aethra Diervilla Clearwing MONA_number: 7855.20	A Holarctic genus of 20 species of which 5 occur in North America and 4 in North Carolina. They are often called hummingbird or bumblebee moths, and are among the best known sphingids to North Carolinians.	Schmidt (2018) noted that photographs of live specimens are difficult or impossible to distinguish from those of H. diffinis (see the description of that species). Overall, H. aethra appears slightly larger and more robust in side-by-side comparisons of pinned specimens, with an overall richer orange-yellow tone compared to H. diffinis in corresponding spring versus summer broods. In addition, this species has a slight more red scaling on the forewing apex and hindwing anal margin relative to that of H. diffinis. These species are best separated by using either DNA barcoding, genitalia or larval coloration. Images that show the spiracles, along with information of the the host plant, can be used for positive field identifications.	Local populations are closely associated with areas that support bush-honeysuckles such as rocky woods and road banks, rock outcrops, and shrubby balds.	The larvae appear to specialize on species of Diervilla, including Northern Bush-honeysuckle (D. lonicera) (Schmidt, 2018) and Southern Bush-honeysuckle (D. sessilifolia). These are typically found at higher elevations in the Blue Ridge. Our only feeding record is for Southern Bush-honeysuckle.	The adults are active during the day and the larvae can be found on bush-honeysuckles.		G4 SNR [S1S3]	This species has only recently been determined to occur in North Carolina and needs much more surveying to determine its status. However, it appears to be tied to species of Diervilla as its larval host plants, which themselves are considered to be uncommon to rare: D. sessilifolia is listed as S4, D. lonicera as S2, and D. rivularis as S1. Since host plant specialists are generally much rarer and of greater conservation concern than their host plants themselves, H. aethra should, at the very least, be placed on the Natural Heritage Program's Watch List. If, like several other of our montane species, this moth turns out to have a highly disjunct occurrence in our area and possibly reflecting its status as a Pleistocene relict, it should probably be considered a high conservation priority here in North Carolina.
Helvibotys pucilla None MONA_number: 4984.00		This species is strikingly sexually dimorphic, with the males uniformly yellow and the females boldly marked with large black marks on a yellow or orange ground. In the males, the forewing is uniformly orange yellow above, with the costa narrowly margined with black on the underside of the wing. The head, body and legs are orangish-yellow, while the third segment of labial palp is contrastingly black. All of the tarsi are blackish fuscous. In the females, the head, thorax and forewing ground vary from orange to yellowish-orange. The forewing has a bold and broadly oval black patch at the base, and a broad black band that covers the apical third of the wing. The fringe is concolorous with the forewing ground. The abdomen is also concolorous with the forewing ground except for a conspicuous black tip. The hindwing is generally similar to the forewing, but lacks the basal patch.	The habitat preferences are poorly documented. Our records include maritime forests.	The larval host plants are apparently unknown (Munroe, 1976).	The adults are attracted to lights.		GNR SNR [S1S2]
Helvibotys helvialis None MONA_number: 4980.00		The following description is mostly based on that of Capps (1967). The forewing is pale yellow and somewhat shiny, while the reniform spot, discal dot, the two transverse lines, and the area along the costa are all darker and vary from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. The antemedial line is gently curved outward, while the postmedial line is gently bowed outward on the costal half of the wing, then curves back so that it is nearly perpendicular to the inner margin. The subterminal line is absent on this species. The ground color of the hindwing is similar to that of forewing but paler from the cell to the costa. The postmedial line is weakly curved and restricted to the middle of the wing, and the subterminal line is absent. The fringe of both the forewing and hindwing is concolorous with ground color of the wings. This species is very similar to our Neohelvibotys species and usually requires dissection for identification. If a specimen is in good condition, the coloration along the outer margin of the forewing and hindwing is helpful in separating N. neohelvialis from Helvibotys helvialis. In the former, it is concolorous with the markings of the wings and in the latter, concolorous with the ground color of the wings (Capps, 1967).	Our records are all from xeric communities in the Coastal Plain.	The host plants are rather poorly documented but include Amaranthus, beets (Beta vulgaris), cotton (Gossypium) and a goldenrod (Solidago) (Capps, 1967; Covell, 1984; Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010).	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	We currently do not have sufficient information on the abundance, distribution, and habitat requirements of this species to accurately assess its conservation status within the state.
Hellula rogatalis Cabbage Webworm Moth MONA_number: 4846.00	Hellula rogatalis is very similar to The Old World H. undalis, and was at one time thought to be the latter that was introduced to North America. The two species were confused until Capps (1953) documented marked differences in genitalia for both sexes.	The following is mostly based on the description by Forbes (1923) and Munroe (1972). This species has both dark and pale forms. The ground color is somewhat variegated and is concentrated in fairly wide basal, antemedial, medial and subterminal zones, with the last fragmented. In dark individuals the ground is olivaceous fuscous on a buff ground, compared with yellowish buff on a whitish-buff ground in pale individuals. The complete dark medial zone is characteristic of this species. The ground is overlain with a series of wavy, whitish to pale buff lines that are faintly defined with black. These include a fragmentary basal line, a complete transverse antemedial line, and a strongly sinuous postmedial line that sharply bulges outward around the reniform spot. The reniform is somewhat broadly kidney-shaped and is dark fuscous throughout. A line of black terminal dots is present along the termen that is immediately preceded by a thin, even, whitish line. The hindwings vary from whitish to light fuscous.	This species is a commercial pest and is generally associated with croplands.	The Cabbage Webworm is a serious pest on commercially grown members of the Brassicaceae, including bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, collard, kale, mustard, radish, rutabaga, shepherd’s purse, and turnip (Shrestha and Webb, 2016). This species is native to North America, but the native hosts that were used prior to the production of commercial crops are poorly documented. In North Carolina, Tracy Feldman reared a larva from American Searocket (Cakile edentula).	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae are common in field crops.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S3-S5]	This species is relatively uncommon in North Carolina, but is of little conservation concern due to it being a serious crop pest in many areas of the country.
Hellula phidilealis Cabbage Budworm Moth MONA_number: 4847.00		Hellula phidilealis is very similar to H. rogatalis (see description of that species). It can most easily be distinguished from the latter by the reniform spot that tends to be an irregular-shaped blackish patch, and by the presence of three dark dots along the termen of the forewing. The dots are surrounded basally by a small whitish patch, with one dot at the apex and the other two closer to the anal angle.	Local populations are centered around agricultural fields where cabbage, broccoli and other members of the Brassicaceae are grown.	Alam (1989) reported that H. phidilealis was commonly observed feeding on the pods and terminal shoots of Spiny Spiderflower (Cleome spinosa), Asian Spiderflower (C. viscosa), an unidentified Cleome, and African Spiderflower (Gynandropsis (= Cleome) gynandra) in the Caribbean, Guyana, and Mexico. He surmised that Cleome spp. are the native hosts of this genus, and that populations shifted to exploiting cultivated members of the Brassicaceae secondarily. This species is now a commercial pest on numerous cultivated members of the Brassicaceae such as broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, collard, and kale (Heppner, 2007).	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found on cultivated crucifers.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		As of 2023, we have a single historical record for North Carolina.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Hellinsia paleaceus Ironweed Plume Moth MONA_number: 6207.00				Larvae reportedly feed on ironweeds (Vernonia spp.) (Matthews & Lott, 2005). In North Carolina, we have feeding records for Giant Ironweed (V. gigantea) and New York Ironweed (V. noveboracensis).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Hellinsia linus Linus' Plume Moth MONA_number: 6195.00				The hosts are apparently undocumented.
Hellinsia kellicottii Goldenrod Plume Moth MONA_number: 6212.00				Larvae reportedly feed on goldenrods, including Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Pine Barren Goldenrod (S. fistulosa), and Giant Goldenrod (S. gigantea) (Matthews et al., 1990).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Hellinsia inquinatus Black-marked Plume Moth MONA_number: 6186.00				Larvae reportedly feed on ragweeds (Ambrosia spp.), including Common Ragweed (A. artemisiifolia) and Giant Ragweed (A. trifida) (Matthews et al., 1990; Matthews & Lott, 2005). 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.
Hellinsia homodactylus Plain Plume Moth MONA_number: 6203.00				Reported hosts include thoroughworts Eupatorium, Sweet Joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium purpureum), and goldenrods (Solidago), including Tall Goldenrod (S. altissima), Canada Goldenrod (S. canadensis), and Wrinkle-leaf Goldenrod (S. rugosa) (Schaffner, 1959; Matthews & Lott, 2005).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Hellinsia habecki Habeck's Plume Moth MONA_number: 6202.10			Our records for this species all come from dry-xeric sandhills, which is consistent with the habitats reported for its primary host plant.	Larvae feed externally on leaves of Eupatorium compositifolium, with one additional record from E. capillifolium (Mathews, 2010).			GNR SNR [S1S2]
Hellinsia glenni Glenn's Plume Moth MONA_number: 6214.00				Larvae reportedly feed on goldenrods and possibly asters (Matthews et al., 1990; BugGuide).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Hellinsia elliottii Elliot's Plume Moth MONA_number: 6204.00				Host plants are poorly documented, but Robinson et al. (2010) report a record for Eupatorium, and there is a BugGuide record (Marcie O'Connor, 2022) for a larva on Spotted Joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium maculatum).
Hellinsia citrites MONA_number: 6183.00			Our only site record is a "bean dip" in the Sandhills: a relatively mesic Longleaf Pine flatwoods that is rich in legumes and other forbs.	Jeff Niznik reared a larva from False Boneset (Brickellia eupatorioides). We are unaware of any other host records.			GNR SNR [S1]
Hellinsia chlorias Chlorias Plume Moth MONA_number: 6212.10				Reported hosts include Slender Scratch-daisy (Croptilon divaricatum), Common Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), and Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) (Matthews et al., 2012). 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.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Heliocheilus lupatus Spotted Straw Moth MONA_number: 11073.10				Larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of Purpletop Tridens (Tridens flavus) and possibly other grasses (Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]
Heliocheilus paradoxus Paradoxical Grass Moth MONA_number: 11074.00				Hosts are poorly documented, but there is a BugGuide record (cwmelton, 2021) for a larva feeding on an unknown grass in Arizona.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [SHSU]	Our only records for this species are historic, but it may be just a migrant in our area.
Aroga epigaeella None MONA_number: 2189.00		The external coloration and patterning of Aroga epigaeella is essentially identical to that of A. argutiola and A. trialbamaculella, and all three of these species are best distinguished using dissected genitalia. The following description is based on the description of A. argutiola by Hodges (1974a) and should also apply A. epigaeella. The maxillary palp is gray. The outer surface of the first segment and base of the second segment of the labial palp are gray, while the inner surface of the first and second segments are mainly white. The scale brush on the second segment is pale orange to red-orange, while the third segment is mainly dark gray with yellowish-white scales at the base, anterior margin, apex, and sometimes elsewhere. The frons is white with a row of gray-brown scales in front of the eye, and the vertex and occiput are gray. The antenna is dark gray. The dorsal surfaces of the thorax, tegula, and forewing are dark gray. There is a patch of white scales on the costa at three-fourths the wing length, and often one on the posterior margin at three-fourths the wing length. A few white scales are often present on the fold, just before and just beyond one-half the length of the fold. A few white scales are also present at two-thirds to three-fourths the length of the cell, and at the end of the cell. The fringe is mainly pale gray. The hindwing is mainly pale yellowish gray above, with yellow more intense on the outer third of the wing. The legs are mainly dark gray, with off-white to whitish markings.		Our one record for this species was reared from a larva on blueberry (Vaccinium).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Aroga compositella Six-spotted Aroga MONA_number: 2187.00		Aroga compositella is easy to identify based on the forewing markings. In this species the labial palp has a well-developed white brush on the second segment, while the third segment is black with a white tip. The antenna is black and the face white. The head, thorax and ground color of the forewing are bronzy-black, with the latter having four large white marks. These include an outwardly oblique, white, costal streak near the base that extends just beyond the center of the wing, a nearly elliptical white spot on the middle of the wing, a triangular white costal spot at around four-fifths the wing length, and a smaller dorsal white spot that is opposite it on the inner margin. Most specimens also have a tiny white dot just basal to and inward from the middle spot, and a series of 4-5 small white dots on the outer margin that extend around the apex. The fringe and hindwing are smoky brown, and the outer portions of the legs are black with contrasting white bands. Aroga compositella can be confused with Fascista bimaculella, but the latter has a white head, and has the costal and dorsal spots at four-fifths united to form a complete fascia.	Except for a single enigmatic record from Mt. Mitchell, all of our records are from xeric communities in the Sandhills and along the coast.	As of 2025, we are unaware of any records for the host plants.	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] S2S3	This species appears to be uncommon and restricted to xeric communities in the southern Coastal Plain.
Fascista bimaculella None MONA_number: 2203.00		The head, thorax, antenna, and palps are brown to brownish black. The second segment of the labial palp has a large furrowed brush, while the third segment is slender and mostly blackish with pale speckling. The forewing ground color is blackish with three white marks. These include a small and somewhat oblique spot at one-fourth the wing length, a much larger spot just beyond one-half, and a fascia at four-fifths just before the cilia. Blackish blotches are usually present immediately before and after the second spot that is just beyond one-half. The hindwing is smoky gray to light brown, and the abdomen is dark above and white in the middle below. The legs are mostly white with black flecking on the upper half, and blackish with white annulations on the lower half. Aroga compositella can be confused with Fascista bimaculella, but the former has a black head, and has the costal and dorsal spots at four-fifths separate rather than forming a complete fascia as seen in F. bimaculella,.	The natural habitats are poorly documented. Our records are mostly from residential neighborhoods.	The host species are unknown.	The adults are attracted to lights.		GNR S3S4	We currently do not have sufficient information on the hosts, distribution, and abundance to assess the conservation status of this species.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Heliades mulleolella Rusty Heliades MONA_number: 5574.00			All of our records come from sites close to the coast, including mainland areas bordering the sounds and Longleaf Pine habitats located within 10 miles of the coast.	Larval host plants appear to be unknown			[GNR] SU
Helcystogramma melantherella None MONA_number: 2270.00				Larvae are leaf-folders of composites, including Calyptocarpus, Cynara, Melanthera, and Xanthium; also on a legume, Arachis (Hodges, 1986). In North Carolina as of 2025, we have a feeding record for Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and Giant Ragweed (A. trifida).
Helcystogramma melanocarpa None MONA_number: 2269.00			Our records come primarily from wet, open herblands, including Sandhill Seeps, Longleaf Pine Savannas, and wet, marshy areas in the Piedmont.	Larval host plants appear to be unknown, but Hodges states that "Helcystogramma larvae are leaf rollers and tiers on Gramineae, Convolvulaceae, and Compositae" (Hodges, 1986).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4
Helcystogramma hystricella Lanceolate Helcystogramma MONA_number: 2268.00				Larvae have been observed feeding on Eastern Bottlebrush-grass (Elymus hystrix) (Braun, 1921). There is also a BugGuide record (Michael Palmer, 2017) of a larva feeding on Hairy Woodland Brome (Bromus pubescens) in Oklahoma.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S3	This is a primarily northern species (Moth Photographers Group, accessed 2022-06-21). We have records from five sites for this species in North Carolina, all within the Piedmont. But the distribution of its host plant indicates that it could be widespread, at least within stands of mesic forests.
Hedya separatana Pink-washed Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 2860.00		Hedya separatana is a distinctive species, with the apical third of the wing whitish to pinkish and contrasting sharply with the basal two-thirds that is darker. The palps are mostly smoky gray to blackish, and the head is black to bluish-black. The thorax is mottled with bluish-black blotches or lines that are interspersed with pink or whitish coloration, while the tuft varies from pinkish-red to black. The forewing has a pinkish to pinkish-white ground color that is overlain with darker patches and mottling. The basal two-thirds has a mix of steel-gray and blackish blotches that mask most of the pink except near the base of the inner margin, and near the costa at around two-fifths the wing length, where there is usually a patch of pink. The darker region is predominantly black where its irregular, posterior edge meets the pinkish outer third of the wing, and is followed by a black spot at the end of the cell. The outer third varies from pale pink to whitish and is shaded with light gray to blackish-gray. The hindwing is dark smoky brown with a whitish fringe that has a dark-brown basal line. Hedya separatana is similar to H. nubiferana and H. ochroleucana, which occur in nearby states but have yet to be found in North Carolina as of 2024. Hedya separatana is smaller than H. nubiferana and has more whitish or pinkish scaling in the dark basal portion of the forewing. Hedya separatana can be separated from H. ochroleucana by the black dot at the end of the discal cell, which is more prominent in H. separatana.	Most of our records are from fragmented landscapes with a mix of deciduous forests and fields or other open habitats, including many from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods. We also have a few records from rich, mesic forests.	The larvae appear to feed mostly on members of the Rosaceae (Forbes, 1923; Prentice, 1965; Chapman and Lienk, 1971). The reported hosts including serviceberry (Amelanchier), Common Apple (Malus domestica [= M. pumila]), rose (Rosa), blackberry (Rubus), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), and hawthorn (Crataegus). Heinrich (1926) reported larkspur (Delphinium) as a host, which seems unlikely. Prentice (1965) also listed Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and Paper Birch (B. papyrifera) based on rearing records in Canada.	The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed on host use and the larval life history.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR[S3S5]	Populations appear to be relatively secure in the Blue Ridge, which is the stronghold for this species in the state.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Haploa lecontei Leconte's Haploa MONA_number: 8111.00	One of six species currently recognized in North America, all of which occur in North Carolina	One of four species of Haploa that have all white hindwings. The forewings are white and outlined on all margins with black (usually interrupted at the wing angles). Lecontei usually has a strong black line running from the outer margin just below the apex to the inner margin above the anal angle, where there is usually a strong dark blotch or widening of the marginal line. Forms where this postmedial line is the only one crossing the inner part of the wing are unmistakeble. However, there is often a dark line or spur in the antemedian area, as in confusa, connecting the costal and inner margins when complete. As in contigua and confusa, a line or spur may exist in the postmedial area running from beyond the mid-point on the costa to the line that runs from the outer margin to the inner margin. The darkest forms, where all of these lines are well-developed, are particularly similar to confusa, which is smaller, usually browner, and has a white spot in the botch on the inner margin. All-white forms may be indistinguishable from similar forms in the other species. Specimens are occasionally encountered in North Carolina that have a faint orangish-white ground color on the forewings and hindwings instead of the pure white ground that is more typical of this species.	Records from the Mountains come from both riparian areas (e.g., New River State Park) as well upland forests on slopes and ridges, with perhaps a concentration in mesic habitats. Habitats in the Piedmont may also be mesic but the details are unrecorded. At least some of the records from the Sandhills come from open, herb-rich seepage slopes.	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on many species of herbaceous and woody plants (Forbes, 1960; Wagner, 2005). Wagner (2005) specifically lists apple (Malus), Eupatorium, and willow (Salix). In North Carolina, larvae have been recorded on hickory (Carya) and Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).	Comes moderately well to blacklights, but none of our records come from bait; flushes easily during the day and appears to be at least partially diurnal	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G5 SNR [S4S5]	This species may have a distribution covering the western two-thirds of the state and appears to occupy a moderately wide range of habitats. It is probably secure in the Mountains but more needs to be learned about its distribution, abundance, and habitat associations in the Piedmont before an overall assessment can be made about its conservation status across the entire state.
Haploa contigua Neighbor Moth MONA_number: 8110.00	One of six species currently recognized in North America, all of which occur in North Carolina	One of four species of Haploa that have all white hindwings. The forewings are white and outlined on all margins with black (usually interrupted at the wing angles). As in lecontei and confusa, a short diagonal line runs from beyond the mid-point on the costa to the inner margin above the anal angle, and is joined by a line that runs from the outer margin just below the apex. Unlike confusa and at least some forms of lecontei, contigua lacks any lines or spurs in the antemedial portion of the forewing. Unlike the paler forms of lecontei, which lack any markings in the antemedial area, the diagonal line running down from the costa is usually much stronger than the one that runs in from the outer margin; in lecontei, the diagonal line may be missing and only the one running in from the outer margin to the inner margin may be present. A good photograph is usually enough to identify this species, although all white forms exist that are essentially indistinguishable from similar forms found in the other species.	Records from the Mountains come from both riparian areas (e.g., New River State Park) as well upland forests on slopes and ridges, with perhaps a concentration in mesic habitats. Habitats in the Piedmont may also be mesic but the details are unrecorded.	Probably polyphagous, feeding on many species of herbaceous and woody plants, but possibly preferring species in the Asteraceae and Boraginaceae (Forbes, 1960; Wagner, 2005). In North Carolina, larvae have been recorded on Buffalo-nut (Pyrularia pubera), Dog-fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), and non-native Gregg's Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii).	Comes moderately well to blacklights, but none of our records come from bait; flushes easily during the day and appears to be at least partially diurnal.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	This species may have a distribution covering the western two-thirds of the state and appears to occupy a moderately wide range of habitats. It is probably secure in the Mountains but more needs to be learned about its distribution, abundance, and habitat associations in the Piedmont before an overall assessment can be made about its conservation status across the entire state.
Filatima xanthuris None MONA_number: 2181.00	The genus Filatima contains around 80 species that are primarily Holarctic in distribution, with the greatest diversity in semiarid areas of the western United States and Mexico. Their larvae are leaf tiers that feed primarily on legumes, but also exploit a variety of other vascular plants.	The following description is based on that of Hodges and Adamski (1997). The head, labial palp, thorax, and tegula are grayish-brown to dark brown, while the antenna is dark brown above and yellowish gray underneath. The labial palp is recurved to near the vertex, and the third segment is nearly as long as the second segment. The second segment has a conspicuous furrowed brush. The forewing is dark brown distally, with the anterior margin of the wing dark brown basally. The margin becomes mottled dark brown and gray to three-fourths the length, then pale grayish brown to the tip. A dark-brown subcircular spot is present at three-fifths the length of the cell, and another one at the end of the cell. The discal spots are variable and can be large or small, equal in size or with the distal spot larger, and separated or united. The mid-discal spot is absent in some specimens. The upper surface of the hindwing is pale grayish brown, and darkens slightly towards the apex. The undersurface of the male has curtain scaling. Most of the abdominal segments are grayish brown above with a distal white margin. The legs are mostly dark brown with pale grayish brown intermixed. The tibia has a narrow white band at one-half the length and at the apex, while the apex of each tarsomere is white. Filatima xanthuris is difficult to distinguish from F. ornatifimbriella based on external traits and is best distinguished by using genitalia (Hodges and Adamski, 1997).	The preferred habitats are undocumented.	The larvae appear to feed only on legumes. The known genera that are apparent hosts based on rearing records include Thermopsis, Lupinus, Robinia, and Vicia (Hodges and Adamski, 1997; Adamski et al., 2009).	The adults are attracted to lights.		GNR SU	Hodges and Adamski (1997) reported that this species occurs in the mountains of western North Carolina, but we have no recent records as of 2025.
Haploa clymene Clymene Moth MONA_number: 8107.00	One of six species currently recognized in North America, all of which occur in North Carolina.	Unmistakeable. Hind-wings are bright orange or yellow, which is true only for this species and colona among the Haploas. The forewings are cream or whitish and outlined on all margins with black (usually interrupted at the wing angles). Differs from colona and other Haploas in possessing a strong spur projecting up from the inner margin in the postmedial area and usually lacking black lines or spurs running downward from the costa (a line or spur may rarely be present in the antemedian area, but the yellow hindwing and strong postmedial spur should still distinguish clymene from any of other Haploa). Appears to lack any form that has completely pale forewings (as is occurs in colona and other Haploas).	We have records from a wide variety of open and wooded habitats, ranging from maritime forests and barrier island dunes, to riparian forests, and to dry ridges and barrens. We do not have any records, however, from peatlands or the most xeric types of sandhills. Records from Longleaf Pine communities are also generally sparse.	Larvae are probably polyphagous, feeding on many species of herbaceous and woody plants, but possibly preferring species in the Asteraceae and Boraginaceae (Forbes, 1960; Wagner, 2005). Covell (1984) specifically lists thoroughwort (Eupatorium), peach (Prunus persica), oak (Quercus), and willow (Salix). In North Carolina, larvae have been recorded on Morella.	Comes moderately well to blacklights, but none of our records come from bait; flushes easily during the day and appears to be at least partially diurnal.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G5 SNR [S4S5]	This species is widely distributed over the state and occupies a broad set of habitats, and is apparently secure.
Glaphyria sesquistrialis White-roped Glaphyria MONA_number: 4870.00	The genus Glaphyria contains nine described species that are found in the New World from Canada southward to Brazil. The U.S. has seven species, with six occurring in North Carolina. They are all small moths that characteristically posture with the forelegs projecting forward. The larval life histories of all of our species are undocumented.	The ground color of the forewing is ocherous-yellow and is overlain with white lines and spots that have distinct brown edging (Forbes, 1923). The basal third of the wing has a series of poorly organized white lines and spots, while the antemedian line is distinct and waved. The postmedian line is sinuous on the dorsal half, then curved outward before angling obliquely to the costa. The black terminal line is distinct but broken, with the black spots preceded by white spots. The fringe is evenly ocherous-yellow and concolorous with the ground color. Glaphyria glaphyralis is generally similar, but is lighter, lacks brown edging on the lines, and has white spotting in place of a broken, black terminal line. Aethiophysa invisalis is also similar, but the terminal dots are obscure and the fringe is two-toned, with the outer half pure white.	Our records are from both xeric and mesic sites, including maritime communities, xeric Sandhill pinelands, residential neighborhoods, and mixed pine-hardwood forests.	In spite of this being a common species, the hosts are poorly documented. Heppner (2007) lists Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), but this requires verification. In North Carolina, Tracy Feldman has reared a larva from Indian Blanket-flower (Gaillardia pulchella).	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	Glaphyria sequistrialis is common and widespread in the state and appears to be secure.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Halysidota tessellaris Banded Tussock Moth MONA_number: 8203.00	One of five species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schimdt, 20010), three of which have been recorded in North Carolina	Adults of all three of our species of Halysidota are highly similar to one another, possessing long, pointed wings that are translucent yellow and marked with bands of slightly darker, offset cells forming a tessellated pattern. The markings of tessellaris and harrisii are virtually identical and they cannot be identified based on photographs alone (in some cases, we assume an individual is tessellaris if found at a site far from any Sycamores).	With the exception of peatlands, where we have only a single record, H. tessellaris uses virtually all habitats found in the state, from maritime scrub and forests on the barrier islands, to Longleaf Pine habitats, bottomland hardwoods, to xeric sandhills, barrens and upland ridges and summits.	The larvae are polyphagous on woody shrubs and trees (Wagner, 2005). In North Carolina, they have been recorded feeding on Box-elder (Acer negundo), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Sweet Birch (Betula lenta), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) and other hickories, Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli), American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), ash (Fraxinus), American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Muscadine (Muscadinia rotundifolia), Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Black Willow (Salix nigra), and Winged Elm (Ulmus alata), and likely use many other hosts.	Comes well to blacklights, with over 30 individuals collected in single traps. Adults feed on flowers beginning at dusk (Forbes, 1960) and for the first few hours after dark, but we have only one record from bait. The adults commonly visit milkweeds at night and may be important pollinators. Frost (1965) examined 1,911 specimens that were captured in light traps and found that 290 specimens had milkweed pollinia attached to them.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G5 SNR [S5]	Ubiquitous, abundant, and widespread across the entire state, this is one of our most secure species
Halysidota harrisii Sycamore Tussock Moth MONA_number: 8204.00	One of five species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schimdt, 20010), three of which have been recorded in North Carolina	Adults of all three of our species of Halysidota are highly similar to one another, possessing long, pointed wings that are translucent yellow and marked with bands of slightly darker, offset cells forming a tessellated pattern. The markings of H. harrisii and H. tessellaris are virtually identical and cannot be identified from photographs; only examination of male specimens can be used for reliable identification of adult H. harrisii.	Riparian forests, including brownwater river floodplains in the Coastal Plain and bottomland hardwoods more generally in the Piedmont and Low Mountains.	Larvae are believed to feed solely on American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) (Forbes, 1960; Wagner, 2005), which has been confirmed as the host in North Carolina. Other reported hosts are most likely in error.	Comes to blacklights in small numbers even in areas that appear to be prime habitat, but whether that is due to lack of attraction to lights or small population sizes is unknown. May feed on flowers similarly to H. tessellaris, but none have been caught at bait. Looking for larvae blown down from Sycamores by storms appears to be the best method of searching for this species.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands. Should possibly be placed on the NHP Watch List until more is learned about its actual distribution and abundance	G4 SNR [S4?]	This species is certainly a habitat specialist but appears to be even rarer than would be expected based on the distribution of Sycamore in the state. We have inspected hundreds of adult specimens with all but a tiny fraction turning out to be H. tessellaris, even in areas where Sycamore is common or at sites where we have definite records of their presence. The reason for this rarity (or apparent rarity) is unknown.
Chionodes dentella None MONA_number: 2071.00		Chionodes dentella is a distinctively marked species with contrasting cream-colored markings on a dark background. The following description is based on that of Hodges (1999). The labial palp is off-white, with dark-brown scales present on the lateral surface of the first segment, at the base of the second segment, and as a subapical ring on the third segment. The top of the head and thorax are off-white, while the antenna is black above. The forewing is mainly dark-brown to black, with an off-white or cream-colored longitudinal band that extends along the inner margin from the wing base to two-thirds the wing length. The band has an inward bulge at around one-fourth the wing length and ends with a transverse extension. The extension in some specimens may terminate near the center of the wing, but in others can reach all the way to the costa. It is followed by an off-white costal spot and an opposing tornal spot at around three-fourths the wing length. The hindwing is brown, and the outer portions of the legs predominantly black with off-white banding.	Although poorly documented, this species undoubtedly uses a wide variety of habitats given its wide distribution from Florida to California.	The host plants are apparently undocumented.	The adults are attracted to lights.		GNR SU	As of 2025, we have a single record for this species that may reflect a stray. It is uncertain whether a breeding population exists in North Carolina.
Haimbachia squamulellus Scaled Haimbachia MONA_number: 5482.00			Our records include some of the same wet, grassy habitats used by H. placidellus but also include xeric upland sites in the Sandhills.	Host plants are apparently unknown, but many species in this subfamily feed on graminoids.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4
Haimbachia placidellus Peppered Haimbachia MONA_number: 5489.00			Most of our records come from riparian habitats or mesic forests; several come from open, wet, grassy areas, including sandhill seeps and pond and lakeshores. One record, however, comes from near the summit of Mt. Mitchell.	Larval host plants appear to be unknown but are likely to be graminoids.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Haimbachia albescens Silvered Haimbachia MONA_number: 5488.00				Larvae reportedly feed on Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) (Prafiska et al., 2011).			GNR S1S2
Haematopis grataria Chickweed Geometer MONA_number: 7146.00			Almost all of our records come from lake and river shorelines, or wet meadows.	Larvae feed on chickweed (Stellaria), clover (Trifolium), and other herbaceous plants (Wagner, 2005). 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]
Hadena capsularis Capsule Moth MONA_number: 10317.00				Reported hosts include chickweed (Cerastium) and Dianthus (Robinson et al., 2010). We do not have any larval records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S1S3]
Habrosyne scripta Lettered Habrosyne MONA_number: 6235.00		A medium-sized, light gray brown moth with conspicuous white markings. The ground color is grayish-brown, with a large basal patch of this color outlined with white. The costa is also white with a few brown spots; two larger brown-and-white spots (orbicular and reniform) are located just inward from the costa and posterior to the basal patch. The median portion of the wing is crossed by a series of narrow, strongly crenulated white bands, followed by a wider subterminal band of white. The terminal stripe is also white and crenulated, followed by a fringe of brown. Habrosyne gloriosa is very similar but the two differ in the outline of the basal patch: in scripta, the posterior white band runs fairly obliquely from the cubital vein to the inner margin; in gloriosa it runs more perpendicular to the costa and then has a sharp right angle bend. Scripta is also lighter brown than gloriosa and the white patches are usually less pinkish (Forbes, 1924).		Larvae feed on blackberry (Rubus) and possibly other members of the Rosaceae (Wagner, 2005). Other hosts require verification.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Habrosyne gloriosa Glorious Habrosyne MONA_number: 6236.00		Very similar to Habrosyne scripta, which is much more common. Differs in the course of the white band bordering the posterior end of the dark basal patch: in gloriosa it has a more stair-step course, with a right angle bend in the middle; in scripta it has a more slanting, oblique course with only a minor bend in the middle (Forbes, 1924). The white subterminal band is also usually straight in gloriosa but arched in scripta (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.).		Larvae are apparently monophagous on Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) (Wheeler & Hoebeke, 1985), but there is also a BugGuide record for a larva on honeysuckle (Gouvernement du Québec, 2020). 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]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Gypsonoma salicicolana Small Gypsonoma MONA_number: 3228.00		The following description is based in part on that of Forbes (1923). The head, palps, antenna, and thorax are dull brown to grayish-brown and concolorous with the dark basal region on the forewing. The forewing ground is dusky and sometimes has a slight purplish gloss, while the basal third is contrastingly darker and tends to be obscurely mottled, with the outer margin broadly wavy and strongly out-curved at the middle. A dark band that is often indistinct extends obliquely from the costa from just beyond the middle to the middle of wing at about two-thirds the way to the apex. From there it bends anteriorly and very obscurely continues to the inner margin. A dark eyespot is present at the apex, and dark submarginal shading often extends from there to near the anal angle. The fringe is grayish brown with a thin dark marginal line near the base. The hindwing is grayish-brown and lighter than the forewing and with a thin dark marginal line near the base. The wing patterning of G. salicicolana is generally similar to that of G. fasciolana, but the latter has white interfascial regions, a more distinct fascia in the middle of the wing, and is larger (forewing length = 6.0-8.0 mm versus 4.5-5.5 mm for G. salicicolana).	Local populations are generally associated with willow thickets.	Larvae feed on willows (Walsh, 1867; Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; MacKay, 1959; Kimball, 1965; Prentice, 1965; Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010; Lam et al., 2011; Beadle and Leckie, 2018). The reported hosts include Coastal Plain Willow (Salix caroliniana), Prairie Willow (S. humilis) and Black Willow (S. nigra).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SU
Gypsonoma fasciolana Willow-and-poplar Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3223.00		The following description is based in part on that of Forbes (1923). The head, antenna, palps, and thorax are medium to dark brown. The ground color of the wing is white and often shaded with gray towards the outer margin, with a few black scales in the position of the speculum. The ground has three large dark brown to brownish-black marks, one of which is a conspicuous dark base that covers about one-fourth of the wing and contrasts sharply with the adjoining white interfascial region. The broadly wavy outer edge projects obliquely outward from the costa and has an outward bulge close to the middle. A broad fascia of the same color extends obliquely from the middle of costa and runs roughly parallel to the dark base. It terminates before the anal angle and has a wavy outer margin. The subterminal region has a thin, elongated patch of dark brown to blackish scales that runs along the outer margin from near the anal angle towards the apex, where it frequently curves inwardly and terminating before reaching the costa. A dark eyespot is present at the apex, and the costa has a series of dark strigulae that are most obvious in the interfascial areas. The cilia are grayish brown with a thin, lighter basal line. The hindwing is light grayish-brown with cilia that are similar in color and patterning to the forewing cilia.	The disjunct population on Clingman's Dome in the Smokies is associated with spruce-fir forest and early successional habitats.	The primary hosts are members of the Salicaceae, including willows (Salix spp.), Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera), and Quaking Aspen (P. tremuloides; Prentice 1966). There is also one recorded use of a blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) that seems questionable (Robinson et al., 2010).	The adults are attracted to lights and in North Carolina are likely restricted to high-elevations sites.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S1]	The population on Clingman's Dome in the Smokies comprises a major southern disjunct for this northern species and is protected.
Gymnandrosoma punctidiscanum Dotted Gymnandrosoma MONA_number: 3495.00	Gymnandrosoma is a small genus with fewer than 10 species, two of which occur in the US and the remainder in the Neotropics.	The following is based mostly of the descriptions by Dyer (1904) and Forbes (1923). The head, antennae, and palps are finely mottled with varying amounts of gray, ocherous, and blackish scales. The palps are rather long and obliquely ascending, and have a short third segment. The thorax has a conspicuous pair of truncate tufts on the posterior margin, and the forewing is irregularly mottled and strigose with varying amounts of fuscous, blackish, and gray scales. Blackish or otherwise relatively dark scales tend to predominate on the basal two-thirds (sometimes over the entire wing), while the apical third is usually lighter colored. The boundary between the two is often outwardly angulated and there is a small, white discal dot near the apex of the angle. The fringe is dark grayish to blackish, and the hindwing is brown to blackish brown with a slightly paler fringe and inconspicuous darker basal line. This species is readily identified by a combination of the slightly upturned palps, the prominent thoracic tufts, and the white discal spot. Cryptaspasma bipenicilla is similar, but lacks the thoracic tufts and is restricted to coastal habitats.	Local populations are generally found in woodlands, woodland borders, roadways, and fencerows with Black Locust.	The larvae feed on Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and perhaps other Robinia species (Prentice, 1966; Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010; Lam et al., 2011; Gilligan and Epstein, 2014). They may also very rarely use Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra; Heppner, 2007).	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 and can be locally abundant. It shows no evidence of any widespread population declines within the state.
Gretchena watchungana None MONA_number: 3261.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	This species resembles several other Gretchena that occur in North Carolina in having dark dusting that is concentrated around two lighter inward bulges along the inner margin at around one-fourth and one-half the wing length. These tend to create an hourglass pattern or sorts when resting adults are viewed from above. The most distinctive external feature of this species in the hindwing, which is whitish, except for blackish-gray scaling on the margins and outer third (Gilligan et al., 2008). Our other species tend to have uniformly grayish-brown hindwings that are darker. The following detailed description is based mostly on that of Kearfott (1907a) who examined a series of 35 specimens that were mostly from the Watchung Hills in New Jersey, and the basis for the specific epithet. The head is blackish-brown on the sides and face and whitish-gray on top, while the labial palps are whitish-gray and streaked with blackish-brown on the outside and above. The apical joint is black on the outside, with a grayish bloom within, while the antenna is brownish-gray. The thorax and forewing are mottled whitish-gray and blackish-brown. In addition to the two lighter inward bulges along the inner margin at around one-fourth and one-half the wing length, the most conspicuous mark is the grayish-white ocellus, which is large, rounded, and occupies the lower two-thirds of the outer fourth. It is crossed by four or five short, horizontal black lines or blotches near the anterior end that may be difficult to discern in worn specimens. Heavy blackish dusting and blotching is present in much of the center of the wing that contrast rather sharply with the two lighter inward bulges. The costa has a series of paired white dashes, with the subapical one being the most prominent. Many specimens also have a rounded black spot at the apex. The fringe is speckled with black except for the apical third or so which is whitish. The hindwing is whitish except for varying amounts of blackish-gray scaling on the margins and apical third. The cilia are lighter and often white, with a darker sub-basal line.	Local populations are generally found in or near wetlands or moist ground that support alders.	The larva are thought to specialize on alders (Alnus spp.) (Krauth et al., 1977; Miller, 1987a). Reports of this species feeding on oaks (Robinson et al., 2010) needs additional verification since the only known hosts for Gretchena species are members of the Juglandaceae (Carya; Juglans) and alders.	The adults are attracted to lights.		GNR[S1S3]	This species appears to be rare in North Carolina, with only a single site record as of 2024. Additional information on its distribution, abundance and ecological requirements are needed before we can accurately assess its conservation status.
Gretchena nymphana None MONA_number: 3266.10	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	This is our most distinctive and easily recognized Gretchena that can be distinguished by its relatively large size, pale buff ground color with light brown irrorations, and a prominent, black, radial streak that is edged posteriorly with pale brown dusting. In addition, the raised scale patches that produce a bumpy appearance on most of our Gretchena species are poorly developed or absent on this species. The following detailed description is based on that of Blanchard and Knudson (1983). The front and vertex of the head are buff (pale yellowish-brown), as are the labial palps, antennae and collar. The tegula and patagia are light brown and the mesonotum buff. The forewing ground color is buff, with light brown irrorations and faint brownish costal strigulations. The wing is conspicuously marked with a wavy black streak that extends from the apex to the dorsal margin near the base. The streak is thick and continuous over the apical two-thirds, and attenuated and interrupted (or missing entirely) over the basal third. On fresh individuals, a zone of pale brown dusting is usually evident on the posterior side. The ocelloid patch is absent and the fringe is buff, with the scales banded with brown. The hindwing is fuscous and the fringe buff.	Local populations are generally associated with hardwood forests, mixed conifer-hardwood forests, semi-wooded residential neighborhoods and forest edge habitats.	The host plants are undocumented.	The adults are attracted to lights, but perhaps only weakly so.		GNR[S2S3]	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina and elsewhere throughout the eastern US. More information is needed on its distribution, abundance and habitat requirements before we can accurately assess its conservation status within the state.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Gretchena deludana Arrowhead Moth MONA_number: 3259.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	In this species, the ground color of the head, thorax and forewing is pale gray and is overlain with varying amount of dark brown dusting and fine mottling. The most prominent marks are thin black streaks that are present anterior to the ocellus, along the distal margin of the sub-basal fascia, and in the discal cell (Gilligan et al., 2008). When viewed from above, resting individuals typically have an hourglass pattern on the basal two-thirds, with the more basal one often resembling an arrowhead. The hindwing is light-brown and the fringe has a sub-basal, broken dark band. Gretchena deludana closely resembles G. bolliana, but the black streaks on the latter are much more pronounced. Gretchena deludana also has a relatively short flight period in North Carolina, from April through mid-June, while G. bolliana flies throughout much of the year. The male genitalia of the two species are distinctive and may be needed to identify worn specimens.	Local populations are typically found in deciduous hardwood forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests and residential neighborhoods where hickories are present.	Larvae reportedly feed on hickories, including Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Mockernut Hickory (C. tomentosa), and Pecan (C. illinoinensis) (Seifert et al., 2021; Blair, 2023; Robinson et al., 2010).	The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed on the host plants and larval life history.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S4]	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina, but more information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we can assess its conservation status within the state.
Gretchena delicatana None MONA_number: 3265.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	This is one of several species of Gretchena that is best identified using genitalia. Heinrich (1923) noted that this species is perhaps most similar in terms of external morphology to G. amatana, but differs in having narrower forewings and a cleaner looking, more diffused, and more whitish gray powdering on the forewing. The pale suffusion often extends along the costa to the wing base and breaks the basal patch. The longitudinal black scaling also tends to form a more continuous narrow line from the apex to well back on the upper margin of the cell, but does not form a conspicuous sickle-shaped mark as seen in some Gretchena. The hindwing is also paler, especially towards the base. As with many of our Gretchena, genitalia are the most reliable way to obtain a positive identification.	local populations are generally associated with hardwood or mixed hardwood-conifer forests.	Reported hosts include Betula and Ostrya (Raizenne, 1952; Nystrom & Ochoa, 2006).	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[S2S]	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina and restricted to the Blue Ridge where it appears to reach its southern range limit.
Gretchena concubitana None MONA_number: 3260.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	This is one of several species of Gretchena that is best identified using genitalia. The following description is based in part on that of Heinrich (1923), but likely does not capture the full range of variation within this species. The adults have an overall pale slate gray ground that is heavily dusted with grayish fuscous, which produces an overall slaty fuscous color on the head, thorax and forewing. The face is similar except for the upper part that is dark brownish fuscous. The slaty fuscous color of the forewing is overlain with darker blackish or brownish-black dusting. The dusting is concentrated around two lighter inward bulges along the inner margin at around one-fourth and one-half the wing length. These tend to create an hourglass pattern when resting adults are viewed from above. The dark dusting often extends from the wing base into a faint, elongated, outwardly angulate streak that reaches nearly to the upper outer angle of the cell. A dark spot or area of dark dusting is also often present near the inner margin before the tornus. The ocellus is rather indistinct and does not have a region of heavy dark shading just anterior to it as seen in some Gretchena species. The subcostal region has varying levels of dark dusting, and there is a series of narrow faint whitish strigulae along the costa. The hindwing is glossy, smoky brown and often paler towards the base. The cilia are lighter with a dark basal band. Gilligan et al. (2008) noted that this species is similar in size and coloration to G. amatana and G. concitatricana, but the black forewing markings are considerably less distinct, particularly in the discal cell and anterior to the ocellus. The interfascial areas appear silvery gray, versus dirty whitish gray in G. amatana and brownish gray in G. concitatricana. As mentioned above, genitalia provide the best way to differentiate this species from several other Gretchena species.	Local populations are associated with hardwood forests.	The holotype was reared from a hickory (Carya sp.; Heinrich, 1923), and walnut (Juglans) has also been reported as a host (Lam et al., 2011).	The adults are attracted to lights. Much more information is needed on the host plants and larval life history. We recommend looking for leaf shelters on the undersides of hickory leaflets and rearing the adults.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR[S1S3]	This appears to be a relatively rare species in North Carolina, but more information is needed on its distribution, abundance and habitat preferences before we can accurately assess its conservation status.
Gretchena concitatricana None MONA_number: 3268.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	The following description is based in part on that of Heinrich (1923) who examined specimens from Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The antenna is fuscous brown. The labial palps, upper face, head and thorax are sordid brown, while the inner sides of the palps are sordid white, and the lower face dirty ocherous white. The forewing has an overall brownish cast and is marked with black scaling. The inner margin has a light brownish, semicircular mark just beyond the middle that is followed posteriorly by a similarly-colored ocellus. Blackish scaling is concentrated as a wide boundary around the anterior half of the semicircular mark, and near the anterior and costal edges of the ocellus as patches, so that when viewed from above, resting individuals often appear to have the mark on the inner margin more-or-less surrounded by black. Raised scale patches are usually evident on the semicircular mark and along the inner margin at around one-fourth the wing length. The costa has four or five dark, thick dashes along the outer half, with the one at the apex most conspicuous. The cilia are dark fuscous with a couple of very faint pale dashes below the apex. The hindwing is smoky fuscous, and has smoky cilia with a pale median shade and a very fine pale line at the base. Gilligan et al. (2008) note that specimens in good condition can be identified by the brownish cast of the forewing (worn specimens appear to be more grayish). The oval-shaped mark on resting individuals that is surrounded by blackish scales when viewed dorsally also appears to be a good field mark for North Carolina specimens. Males also have black sex scaling that is diagnostic for this species (see structural features below).	Local populations are generally associated with forested habitats, as well as forest edges and semi-wooded residential neighborhoods.	Naughton (1970) reported that the larvae feed on walnuts, and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) has been reported as a host (Miller, 1987; Lam et al., 2011).	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[S2S3]	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina, but more information is needed on its distribution, abundance and life history before we can accurately assess its conservation status.
Gretchena bolliana Pecan Bud Moth MONA_number: 3263.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	This species most commonly has an overall grayish color with varying amounts of light brownish dusting and fine blackish speckling, but some individuals may have a more brownish caste. The inner margin of the forewing has two prominent grayish marks that include an inwardly directed, triangular mark at around one-fourth, and a much larger and more rectangular-shaped mark that extends from around one-half the wing length to the outer edge. The anterior edge of the latter is outwardly oblique and both marks extend inward to near the center of the wing. Patches or irregular lines of blackish scaling are usually present where the two grayish marks on the inner margin meet, and along the outer margin of the posterior mark. The latter commonly form an irregular, jagged, black streak that narrows and projects to the apex. The raised scale tufts are prominent on the two grayish marks along the inner margin and give the forewing a bumpy appearance. The ocellus is poorly-defined, and the hindwing is uniformly grayish-brown. Gretchena bolliana resembles several other Gretchena, especially G. deludana (Gilligan and Epstein, 2014). The latter has a much shorter flight season and tends to fly earlier in the year than G. bolliana. In addition, the black streaks on the forewing are noticeably narrower on G. deludana. Worn specimens of G. bolliana -- or the occasional specimen with poorly developed black streaks -- may require the examination of genitalia for a positive identification.	Most of our records come from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods where the larvae are likely using hickories and walnuts. Records from natural areas include mesic slopes and bottomland hardwoods.	The larvae feed on walnuts and hickories (Kearfott, 1908; Forbes, 1923; Moznette et al., 1931; MacKay, 1959; Kimball, 1965; Prentice, 1966; Mizell and Schiffhauer, 1986; Godfrey et al., 1987; Robinson et al., 2010; Lam et al., 2011; Beadle and Leckie, 2018). The reported hosts include Water Hickory (Carya aquatica), Pecan (C. illinoinensis), Butternut (Juglans cinerea) and Black Walnut (J. nigra). Moznette et al. (1931) noted that this species has been reported using various species of hickories, but the specific species were not reported. Pecan may have been the primary host where C. illinoinensis grew naturally prior to its widespread planting elsewhere in the eastern US. Other members of the Juglandaceae were presumably used outside of the natural range of C. illinoinensis. In North Carolina, Tracy Feldman has reared a larva from Black Walnut.	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 S3S4