Moths of North Carolina
50 most recent updates
Return Max of 200
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Rhyacionia adana
Adana Pine Tip Moth
MONA_number: 2877.00
Rhyacionia adana has grayish palps and antennae. The lateral hairs on the basal third of the antennae of both sexes are very short, with the antennae appearing almost smooth. The head tuft is r...The larvae in northern populations appear to prefer pine seedlings and samplings that are found either in nursery settings or even-age stands. Our one site record is from a residential neighborhood wi...Martin (1960) reported that the larvae in Ontario feed on Jack Pine (P. banksiana), Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) and Scots Pine (P. sylvestris), and typically on plants that are less...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[S1S2]As of 2024, this species is currently only known from a single residential site in Orange County, where it appears to be part of a southern disjunct population from the main range farther north. ...
Eucosma paragemellana
MONA_number: 3052.20
Eucosma paragemellana is a member of the circulana-gemellana-paragemellana subgroup as recognized by Wright and Gilligan (2015). These three species are very similar in forewing appearance but can be separated by geographic range, genitalia, and other features. Eucosma paragemellana is the only member that is currently known from North Carolina. Gilligan and Wright (2013) note that E. paragemellana is indistinguishable in external appearance from E. gemellana, which is restricted to Florida. The following description is based on...The adults have been collected from pine savannas and open woods, but the specific habitat requirements are poorly documented. ...The host plants are unknown. ...The adults are attracted to lights. ...GNR [S1-S3]The population that have been found in Pender County appears to be a major northern disjunct. We currently do not have sufficient information of the specific habitat requirements, host plants, and abu...
Eucosma autumnana
MONA_number: 2925.00
The following is based on McDunnough (1942) original description of specimens from Canada. The palps, head, and thorax are light smoky brown to grayish brown. The forewing ground color is light golden...The habitat preferences are poorly documented. ...The hosts are undocumented but presumably are members of the Asteraceae. ...The adults are attracted to lights. ...GNR [S2-S3]This species is near its southern range limit in North Carolina and appears to be rare in the state. ...
Rhyacionia granti
Jack Pine Tip Moth
MONA_number: 2879.10
The genus Rhyacionia is widespread in the Holarctic Region, ranging from Japan and Asia to the Caribbean Antilles and Mexico (Powell and Miller, 1978). There are 33 described species worldwide and 24 in North America. The larvae feed on the needles, buds, and growing tips of pines. The following is based in part on the original description by Miller (1985). For North Carolina specimens, the labial palps are grayish, while the crown of the head, the anterior portion of the thorax...local populations are dependent on yellow pines for reproduction and do not use White Pine. A site in Madison County where it is common is a mixed conifer-hardwood forest. ...This species uses Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) in Ontario, and presumably other pines farther south. At a site in Madison County where the adults are common, the only suitable hosts that are pre...The adults are attracted to lights. ...GNR SUOur populations appear to be restricted to the Blue Ridge, and are perhaps isolated from more northern populations. As of 2021, we have only two site records. Additional information is needed on the ...
Rhyacionia busckana
Red Pine Tip Moth
MONA_number: 2879.00
The genus Rhyacionia is widespread in the Holarctic Region, ranging from Japan and Asia to the Caribbean Antilles and Mexico (Powell and Miller, 1978). There are 33 described species worldwide and 24 in North America. The larvae feed on the needles, buds, and growing tips of pines. Except for their antennal morphology, Rhyacionia busckana is externally indistinguishable from a sibling species, R. granti. The following is based on the original description by Miller ...Populations require pines for successful reproduction, but the specific hosts that are used in the southeastern US are undocumented. Our collection records from the coast are near pocosins. ...The larvae are pine specialists (Prentice, 1966; Powell and Miller, 1978; Miller, 1985a; Lam et al., 2011; Eiseman, 2022). In Canada, the larvae use Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), Red Pine (P....The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed concerning host use, so we encourage naturalists to document aspects of the larval ecology and life history. ...GNR SUWe currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species to assess its conservation status. ...
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Acleris subnivana
MONA_number: 3517.00
Acleris subnivana has several morphs that differ in color and patterning. The most commonly encountered form in North Carolina has the palps, head, thorax and ground color of the forewing varyi......The hosts are poorly documented, but oaks appear to be the primary hosts (Prentice, 1966; Covell, 1984; Wagner et al., 1995a; Robinson et al., 2010; Lam et al., 2011). The reported hosts include Scar......Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Acleris albinivia
MONA_number: 3530.10
This is a distinctively marked and easily recognizable Acleris. The palps, head, thorax and basal half of the forewing are concolorous and vary from white to milky white. The forewing often has......A larva was successfully reared from a leaf-roll on Stiff Dogwood (Swida foemina) by Tracy Feldman, and the adult was confirmed by dissection by Charley Eiseman. Other hosts are apparently undo...The adults are attracted to lights. ......
Acleris flavivittana
Multiform Leafroller Moth
MONA_number: 3542.00
As the name implies, the Multiform Leafroller (Acleris flavivittana) exhibits a wide range of phenotypes or morphs and is best identified by genitalia. Once a genitalia-based library of morphs ......Beadle and Leckie (2012) list alder, birch, and viburnum as host plants. 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....
Acleris placidana
Black-headed Birch Leaffolder Moth
MONA_number: 3540.00
This species tends to be rather uniformly colored, with the most distinctive mark being a black longitudinal dash near the middle of the wing at about one-half the wing length. The palps, head, thorax......Beadle and Leckie (2012) list alder, birch, and viburnum as host plants. The HOSTS database also lists apple and cherry (Robinson et al., 2010). In North Carolina, larvae have been reared from Yellow ......Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Acleris chalybeana
Lesser Maple Leafroller Moth
MONA_number: 3539.00
The following description is based in part on those of Fernald (1882) and Forbes (1923) and is most relevant to North Carolina specimens. The palps and head are light tan, while the thorax is concolor......Maples appear to be an important host group, but several other deciduous hardwoods are used (Ferguson, 1975; MacKay, 1962; Geise et al., 1964; Prentice, 1966; Covell, 1984; Drooz, 1985; Brown et al., ...The adults do not appear to be strongly attracted to UV lights (Geise et al., 1964). ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR S3S4...
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Acleris maculidorsana
Stained-back Leafroller Moth
MONA_number: 3543.00
This is a distinctively marked Acleris with resting individuals having a silvery-gray, donut-shaped pattern that encloses a horse-shoe-shaped chestnut-brown mark. The palps, head and antennae a......Reported hosts include blueberry (Vaccinium) and St. John's wort (Hypericum spp.) (Forbes, 1923; Wagner et al., 2015). 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....
Acleris robinsoniana
Robinson's Acleris Moth
MONA_number: 3536.00
Resting individuals of this species have a dull, silvery-gray, donut-shaped pattern that encloses a horse-shoe-shaped or inverted Y-shaped mark that is varies from blackish-brown to black. The palps ......The host species are poorly documented, with Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) being the only reported hosts as of 2023 (Prentice, 1966; Robinson et al., 2010; Lam et al., 2011; Gilligan and ......Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Eralea albalineella
MONA_number: 1501.00
The following description is based primarily on those of Hodges (1962, 1978). The labial palp is brown with a dorsal and a ventral buff line on the second and third segments. The antenna is cream whit...The preferred habitats are unknown. Our records are from partially wooded residential neighborhoods, but it is uncertain if hardwoods are required for reproduction. ...The hosts are unknown and the larval life history is undocumented. ...The adults occasionally visit lights. ...GNR SUThis species appears to be uncommon throughout its range, but this could merely reflect the fact that adults are not strongly attracted to lights. We need more information on its distribution, abundan...
Lithophane baileyi
Bailey's Pinion
MONA_number: 9902.00
One of 51 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 25 of which have been recorded in North Carolina...Our records come from cove forests, montane riparian forests, and high elevation hardwood forests...Wagner et al. (2011) list larval observations from Alder, Buckeye, Currant, and Hickory. Other observations were from Birch, Poplar, and Jack Pine (Handfield, 1999, cited by Wagner et al.)......Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Augolychna septemstrigella
MONA_number: 281.00
............
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Datana contracta
Contracted Datana Moth
MONA_number: 7906.00
One of 16 species in this genus, all but one of which occurs in North America north of Mexico (Miller et al., 2018). Nine have been recorded in North Carolina.One of five Datanas in our area with a smooth outer margin of the forewing. The head is yellowish but the collar, tegulae, and mesothorax are contrastingly dark, reddish-brown. The ground color of the...Barrens and woodlands (Wagner, 2005). Our records all come from hardwood stands, with roughly 60% from dry-xeric habitats but with a substantial number from mesic stands....Larvae feed on Oaks and Chestnuts; other reported host plants are probably based on mis-identifications or on wandering, late instar larvae (Wagner, 2005; Miller et al., 2018).......Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.G5 S4S5...

MONA_number: 3218.00
............Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Sonia canadana
MONA_number: 3219.00
............
Zale galbanata
Maple Zale
MONA_number: 8692.00
One of 39 species in this genus that occur north of Mexico, 23 of which have been recorded in North CarolinaTypically gray to grayish-brown with a pattern of thin wavy lines; also shows some of the same variations found in minerea and other species, including forms having contrasting areas of dark and ligh...Most of our records (>85%) come from rich, alluvial floodplains where Boxelder is a prominent species. In the Coastal Plain, records come almost entirely from brownwater rivers, including the Roanoke...Stenophagous, feeding only on maples. Wagner et al. (2011) specifically mention Boxelder (Acer negundo), but suggest that other maples may also be possibly used. If Red Maple (Acer rubrum) were comm...Appears to come moderately well to blacklights, with up to nine having been collected in a single trap. Also comes well to bait, including wine ropes....Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public landsG5 [S4]Appears to be a habitat specialist, occurring primarily in rich alluvial forests. While probably widespread enough to be relatively secure across the state, it is likely to be affected by the creatio...
Chionodes adamas
MONA_number: 2120.40
The genus Chionodes is the most species rich genus of gelechiid moths in the Western Hemisphere, with 187 recognized species. Our knowledge of the diverse array of species in North America is largely due to the monumental work of Hodges (1999), who spend decades working on the group and described 115 new species (Powell and Opler, 2009). Many exhibit substantial variation within species and have drab coloration, typically with brown, dark gray, or blackish patterning on the forewings. These can only be confidently identified by examining secondary sexual characteristics and/or the genitalia of one or both sexes. Others are more boldly marked and can be identified by wing patterning. Many of our state records are based on Hodges (1999) database of over 19,000 specimens that he examined from major collections in the US. These include North Carolina specimens that he collected mostly from Highlands, and from a few other areas within the state. The following is based on the description by (Hodges, 1999). The head and thorax are yellowish-gray, and the antenna is dark grayish brown. The labial palp is mainly dark grayish brown to blackish, wi...The larvae are oak specialists and feed on White Oak, Black Oak, and other species that occur in hardwood forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests in mesic to somewhat drier soil conditions. Our record...The larvae feed on members of both the white oak and red oak groups (Hodges, 1999; Marquis et al., 2019). The known hosts include White Oak (Quercus alba), Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), Bea...The adults come to lights and the larvae can be found in leaf rolls on fresh spring growth. ...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 distribution and abundance of this species to assess its conservation status. ...
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Ephestia kuehniella
Mediterranean Flour Moth
MONA_number: 6020.00
............Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Suleima helianthana
Sunflower Bud Moth
MONA_number: 3212.00
The palps, head, thorax, and ground of the forewing are concolorous and vary from light tan to gray brown. The ground of the forewing often has faint striations that can produce a faintly grizzled pat...Local populations are typically found in partially shaded or sunny settings that support native sunflowers. This species can also reach high densities in commercial plantings of sunflowers....Native sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) are the primary hosts, with Common Sunflower (H. annuus) being widely used. Robinson et al. (2010) also listed a record for Coreopsis as a host...The adults are attracted to lights. We need information on host use in North Carolina and we encourage naturalists to inspect sunflower stems and flower heads for boring damage and larvae....Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR [S3-S4]This species was only recently discovered in North Carolina and we do not have sufficient information on its distribution and abundance to accurately assess its conservation status. ...
Phycitodes mucidella
MONA_number: 5946.00
............
Caloptilia negundella
Boxelder Leafroller Moth
MONA_number: 615.00
The following is based primarily on descriptions in Forbes (1923) and Chambers (1876a). The head, thorax and ground color of the forewing are light tawny brown to golden brown. The face is pale below ...Local populations are dependent on Box-elder. This species is common in alluvial forests and along streambanks in the mountains and Piedmont. It also can occasionally be found in upland sites with nu...This species is monophagous on Box-elder (Acer negundo)....The adults are attracted to lights, and the leaf blotch mines and rolled leaflets are easy to spot on Box-elder. ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR S3S4We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species to assess its conservation status. ...
Dichomeris inversella
Dichomeris Species Group
MONA_number: 2310.00
...Our records come mainly from residential areas. The few natural habitats include both riparian and upland areas. No xeric areas are included, unlike our records for D. kimballi....Larvae possibly feed on Pecans (Hodges, 1986). This information appears to come from the label on a single specimen from Edgecombe County, NC; Hodges was unsure whether it was actually reared on Pecan......Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Argyrotaenia unidentified species
MONA_number: 3629.21
............
Notocelia culminana
Crescent-marked Notocelia
MONA_number: 3211.00
............Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands....
Notocelia lobana
MONA_number: 3211.10
Wright and Gilligan (2023) recently split populations that were previously treated as a single, wide-ranging species known as N. culminana into two sibling species based primarily on differences in genitalia. These are N. culminana (sensu stricto) that is found in the northern U.S., southern Canada and the western U.S., and N. lobana which is a more southern form that in known from Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, western North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington DC. The following description is based mostly from the description by Wright and Galligan (2023). In this species the head and palps are medium to dark brown, with the third segment of the palp often havi...The preferred habitats are poorly documented. Two of records are from residential settings, while the third was from a more natural woodland setting. ...The host plants are undocumented. The closely related N. culminana is a leaftier that feeds of roses and apples, which suggest that N. lobana uses members of the Rosaceae as hosts. ...The adults occasionally visit lights. Host use in North Carolina is undocumented and in need of study....GNR[S2S3]This species appears to be rare in North Carolina where it is near the southern limit of its range in the eastern U.S. More information is needed on its host plants, distribution and abundance before ...
Sonia paraplesiana
Hebrew Sonia Moth
MONA_number: 3218.10
Sonia is a taxonomically challenging genus because many of the traditionally recognized species are difficult to distinguish based on either external patterning, genitalia, or DNA barcoding. Sonia constrictana and S. paraplesiana are two morphologically similar forms that were previously considered to occur sympatrically throughout the eastern U.S. In the latest revision of the genus, Wright and Gilligan (2023) recognized these two species based on subtle differences in external morphology and genitalia, but restricted to populations that occur in Texas eastward to Louisiana. The more widespread constrictana-like populations that occur throughout the eastern U.S. were all assigned to S. paraplesiana. As such, S. constrictana (sensu stricto) is no longer a part of the North Carolina fauna. ......Larvae reportedly feed on Baccharis halimifolia (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....
Sonia unidentified species
MONA_number: 3222.11
............
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Epiblema gibsoni
MONA_number: 3207.20
In this species the palps, head, thorax, antennae, and most of the forewing are a rich medium brown. The most distinctive mark on the forewing is an immaculate, narrow, bright white, and sharply-edge...Most of our records are from mesic forests or forest edges. ...The hosts are apparently 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[S3]Populations in North Carolina appear to be restricted to the Blue Ridge and are uncommon. ...
Epiblema dorsisuffusana
MONA_number: 3206.00
The following description is mostly based on that of Kearfott (1908). Epiblema dorsisuffusana has an overall dark brown to blackish appearance except for the mostly whitish markings. The face i...This species is generally found in open habitats such a fields, prairies and roadway corridors. ...The hosts are apparently undocumented. ...The adults are attracted to lights....GNR [S2S3]Epiblema dorsisuffusana is uncommon in the state with only three records as of 2024. ...
Epiblema brightonana
Brighton's Epiblema Moth
MONA_number: 3203.00
This is a relatively small Epiblema with a broad forewing that is marked with two prominent dark marks that are outlined with white. The following description is based on those by Kearfott (190...Our records are mostly from mesic habitats, including rich forests, forest edges and semi-wooded residential neighborhoods. ...The hosts are apparently 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[S3S4]This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina. More information is needed on its host plants and preferred habitats before we can accurately access its conservation status. ...
Epiblema otiosana
Bidens Borer Moth
MONA_number: 3202.00
The following is mostly based on the description by Pohl and Nanz (2023). The palps, antennae, head, thorax and thoracic tuft are all dark brown to reddish-brown. The forewing is dark grayish-brown to...Most of our records come from open areas or residential developments....Beggerticks (Bidens spp.) appear to be the primary hosts (Forbes, 1923; Decker, 1932; MacKay, 1959; Covell, 1984; Godfrey et al., 1987; Miller, 1987; Lam et al., 2011; Beadle and Leckie, 2012)....The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found in the stems of beggerticks. ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR S4S5This species is widespread and common within the state and appears to be secure. ...
Epiblema infelix
MONA_number: 3201.00
The following description is mostly based on that of Wright (2002) and Wright and Gilligan (2023). In this species the palps, head, thorax and antennae are brown. The predominant hue of the forewing ...Most of our records are from fire-maintained communities in the Sandhills that have a well-developed ground cover of forbs. Records from the mountains are from lower-elevational sites with a mixture o...The hosts are apparently undocumented, but are presumed to be members of the Asteraceae. ...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 S2S3This species appears to be uncommon throughout its range, with the Sandhills supporting the most robust populations in the state. ...
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Epiblema carolinana
Gray-blotched Epiblema Moth
MONA_number: 3192.00
This species has complex patterning that includes mixtures of white, brown, gray and black. The palps, head, antennae and thorax are brown, with the latter having a tuft of reddish-brown scales. The f...Populations are commonly found in mesic to bottomland settings, particularly where openings support the establishment of Cutleaf Coneflower and possibly other hosts....The larvae have been reported to feed on Rudbeckia, with Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) appearing to be a widely used host (Heinrich, 1923; Thompson and Guelph, 1928; Putman, 1...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]This species can be locally common in areas that support Cutleaf Coneflower. More information is needed on host use in North Carolina. ...
Epiblema desertana
MONA_number: 3190.00
In their work on the Epiblema of North America, Wright and Gillgan (2023) recognized this species as being a member of the 'desertana group' that has four species, including E. desertana, E. discretivana, and E. obfuscana that occur in the eastern U.S. The following description is mostly based on that of Wright and Gilligan (2023). The palps, head, thorax and antennae vary from dark brown to blackish brown. The forewing has a prominent basal patch w...Local populations are found in open habitats such as fields, prairies, open woods and roadways that support early-succssional composites....Miller (1976) conducted extensive searches of goldenrods (Solidago spp.) but only found E. desertana galls on Grass-leaved Flat-top Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia). ...The adults are attracted to lights and can be found in galls on Euthamia. ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR[S1S2]This species is rare within the state with only a single confirmed record as of 2023....
Epiblema obfuscana
MONA_number: 3189.00
The following description is based in part on that of Wright and Gilligan (2023). In this species the face, head, thorax, and base of the antennae are covered with inky blue-black scales. The thorax i...This species is commonly found in fragmented landscapes with fields, forests, infrastructure corridors and residential developments. ...The larvae appear to specialize on goldenrods (Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Clarke, 1935; Putman, 1942; MacKay, 1959; Miller, 1987; Lam et al., 2011). The only known host that we are aware of is Tall...The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found burrowing in goldenrod stems. ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR[S3S4]...
Pyromorpha dimidiata
Orange-patched Smoky Moth
MONA_number: 4639.00
This species is readily identified by its bold, two-toned orangish and black forewings. All body parts are black except for the basal two-fifths to one-half of the forewing that is orangish, with the ...Local populations are generally associated with hardwood forests or forest edges. Our records are mostly from hardwood forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests and wooded residential neighborhood. We ha...The hosts are rather poorly documented, but dead and decaying oak leaves appear to be the most important source of food (Dyar, 1897). Other reported hosts are poplars (Populus) and willows (...The adults are most commonly seen resting on vegetation during the day or nectaring on flowers. They occasionally appear at lights. ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR S4S5Populations are common and widespread in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge and appear to be secure. ...
Epiblema discretivana
Epiblema Species Group
MONA_number: 3188.00
The following description mostly is based on those of Heinrich (1921) and Wright and Gilligan (2023). This is a medium-sized Epiblema with a moderately broad forewing. The antennae, palps, face...Local populations are commonly found where Groundsel-tree, which is the primary host, grows locally. This species is commonly found around the margins of maritime wetlands, but has rapidly expanded it...Miller (1976) reared adults mostly from Groundsel-tree (Baccharis halimifolia), but also from Saltwater False-willow (B. angustifolia) and Silverling (B. glomeruliflora)....The adults are attracted to lights, and the elongated galls can be found on the stems of Baccharis....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, with only five site records as of 2024. More information is needed on its habitat requirements and distribution and abundance before we can accur...
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Epiblema scudderiana
Goldenrod Gall Moth
MONA_number: 3186.00
The following description is based in part on the descriptions by Forbes (1923) and Wright (2002). In this species the palps, antennae and head are brown. The forewing has a prominent blackish-brown b...Local populations are typically found in fragmented landscapes with forests, fields, residential neighborhoods and other disturbed habitats. It also occurs in natural communities with a well developed...Larvae feed on composites, including Solidago, Heterotheca, Euthamia, and possibly Baccharis, with goldenrods being the primary hosts (Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; MacKay,...The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found in galls on goldenrods. ...Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.GNR S4S5This species occurs statewide and often inhabits early successional fields and disturbed sites that are commonplace in North Carolina. ...
Epiblema glenni
MONA_number: 3184.10
This species is predominantly brown with a salmon-colored median band that often has two or three dots of dark scales along the inner margin. The palps, head, thorax and antennae are all dark brown an...Our records are mostly from fragmented landscapes with a mixture of forests, fields and residential neighborhoods. ...The hosts plants are undocumented, but are presumed to be members of the Asteraceae as is the case with other Epiblema species....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, with all of our records restricted to lower-elevation valleys in the Blue Ridge. More information is needed on its host species and ecological re...
Epiblema tripartitana
MONA_number: 3184.00
Epiblema tripartitana and E. glenni are two closely related species that Wright and Gilligan (2023) placed in the tripartitana species group. These species are sympatric through most of their ranges. This species is predominantly brown with a broad whitish to pale pinkish-white median band that often has two or three dots of dark scales along the inner margin. The palps, head, thorax and antennae ...Our very limited records include a xeric Sandhills site and two mesic bottomland sites. ...This species appears to use Rudbeckia species as primary hosts (Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Bottimer, 1926; Kimball, 1965; Miller, 1987; Heppner, 2007), including Giant Coneflower (Rudbeck...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] Epiblema tripartitana appears to be rare or uncommon in North Carolina, but additional information is needed on its host use, distribution and abundance before we can accurately assess its cons...
Epiblema glaseri
MONA_number: 3183.10
The following description is based on that of Wright and Gilligan (2023). In this species the third segment of the labial palp is black, while the lateral surface of the second segment is tan with an ...Our very limited records are all from xeric communities in the Sandhills. ...The hosts are undocumented. ...The adults are attracted to lights. ...GNR[S1S2]This is a seemingly rare species in North Carolina that is only known from three sites in the Sandhills as of 2024. The nearest known population is in Georgia....
Epiblema exacerbatricana
MONA_number: 3183.00
The following is based on the descriptions by Heinrich (1923) and Wright and Gilligan (2023). Epiblema exacerbatricana is a moderately small species with average forewing geometry. The palps, f...Most of our records are from xeric to mesic communities, including xeric Long-leaf Pine communities, pine savannas and hardwood forests....The hosts are apparently 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 [S2S3]This species is uncommon in North Carolina. More information is needed on its host use and larval ecology before we can accurately assess its conservation status within the state. ...
sciNametaxonomic_commentsid_commentshabitatfoodobservation_methodsstate_protectionNHP_ranksstatus_comments
Epiblema alba
MONA_number: 3177.10
This is a small, mostly white Epiblema with contrasting black marks. The following is based on the description by Wright and Gilligan (2021). The palps, frons, and vertex are white, while the a...This species is typically found in sandy, xeric habitats. Our specimens mostly come from fire-maintained habitats in the Sandhills, including upland TurKey Oak and Longleaf Pine communities. ...The larval host plants are undocumented, but Bo Sullivan noted that Chrysopis mariana was growing at all three sites where alba was collected in 2020 (Wright and Gilligan, 2021). Additi...The adults are attracted to UV-lights....GNR[S2S3]Populations in North Carolina are mostly restricted to the Sandhills and appear to be a major disjunct group from more southern populations in Florida and southern Alabama. More information is needed ...
Epiblema praesumptiosa
Presumed Epiblema Moth
MONA_number: 3176.00
Wright and Gilligan (2023) examined specimens from Texas to North Carolina and documented geographic variation in maculation and the degree to which the marks are expressed. They recognized three major groups that included Texas populations, a cluster of Gulf Coast and southern Atlantic coast populations that ranged from Louisiana to Georgia and South Carolina, and coastal North Carolina populations. The genitalia of all were essentially identical and they elected to treat these as a single species. DNA barcoding would help to clarify the taxonomic status of these three groups. The following description mostly is based on those of Heinrich (1923) and Wright and Gilligan (2023) from specimens from Texas, including the type series. The palps, face, head, and antennae are white...This species is commonly found in open, coastal maritime habitats and other xeric, sandy habitats. Some of the reported habitats include sand dunes, shell middens, maritime dry grasslands, coastal san...The hosts are apparently 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....
Epiblema abruptana
Abrupt Epiblema Moth
MONA_number: 3173.00
The following is based in part on the descriptions by Walsingham (1879) and Wright and Gilligan (2023). The head is ocherous (brownish-yellow to yellowish-orange) and is often thickly tufted above. Th...The adults have been found in a variety of habitats in North Carolina that range from spoils and dunes along the coast to bottomland sites in the Piedmont. ...The hosts are apparently undocumented, but are presumed to be members of the Asteraceae, as is the case for other members of this genus....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...
Epiblema strenuana_abruptana complex
MONA_number: 3172.50
...............
Epiblema minutana
MONA_number: 3172.10
In their monograph and revision of Epiblema, Wright and Gilligan (2023) placed E. minutana in the strenuana group and noted that most of the taxonomic history of this group has centered around whether this species and a closely related form, E. strenuana, are distinct species or not. Various authors have treated them as being both conspecific and heterospecific since the early 1900's. In the most recent study Gilligan et al. (2020a) treated them as separate species based on barcoding, wing coloration, and the shape of the female sterigma.Epiblema minutana is a primarily brownish-gray to dark gray moth. The interfascial spot near the middle of the inner margin is often absent, but when expressed is pale gray. The ocellus is prom...Most of our records are from dry, open habitats, including coastal dunes and xeric Sandhills communities. We have far fewer records from more mesic habitats in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge. ...This species appears to specialize on ragweeds (Gilligan et al., 2020a; Wright and Gilligan, 2023; McClay, 1987). Eastern populations use Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia; Wright and Gil...The adults are attracted to lights and larvae can be found in the stems of ragweeds. ...GNR [S3S4] This is a widespread species that is probably more common than our records suggest due to undercollecting and confusion with closely related species. ...