Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Oxycilla malaca Bent-lined Tan Moth MONA_number: 8407.00		...	Our records all come from montane floodplains or shorelines...	Hosts are poorly documented, but there is a BugGuide record (George Smiley, 2023) of a larva on Panicled Tick-trefoil (Desmodium paniculatum) in Texas....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4? SNR [S2S3]	...
Cladara atroliturata Scribbler Moth MONA_number: 7639.00	This genus currently includes two species that are found in North America, with both occurring in North Carolina. Cladara anguilineata is a previously described species that has been a source of confusion with C. limitaria since it is very similar in external morphology. Recent studies indicate that the mtDNA variation and genitalic morphology of C. anguilineata is indistinguishable from that of C. limitaria, and it has since been considered to be a color form and junior synonym of C. limitaria.	This beautiful species is on the wing in the early spring together with one other member of the genus. Its green and white color ground color and bold black lines makes it unmistakeable but the color...	Our records all come from montane hardwood forests, including Cove Forests and Northern Hardwoods....	Larvae are reportedly polyphagous, feeding on alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), maple (Acer), oak (Quercus), and willow (Salix) (Wagner et al., 2001). We do not have an...	The species comes readily to lights but not to baits....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	In general this is the least abundant of the three species although at higher altitudes it can be quite common....
Gondysia telma None MONA_number: 8726.10	One of four species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina.	A medium-sized, dark brown- and tan-shaded Erebid with a strongly bidentate postmedian line. The ground color of the forewings is a dark, purplish brown. This shade fills the area between the base and...	"G. telma is most often found in or near swamps with standing water" (Sullivan, 2010)....	Larvae have not been observed in North Carolina. However, according to Wagner (pers. comm. to JBS, 2014), larvae of either Gondysia smithii or G. telma have been reared on Styrax....	All of our records come from lights; we have no records from bait for any of our species of Gondysia...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S3	We have few confirmed records for this species, which appears to be fairly specialized in terms of its habitat. However, if its larval host is, in fact, Styrax americanus, then it could occur w...
Coleophora xyridella None MONA_number: 1396.10	The genus Coleophora is one of the most taxonomically challenging groups in North America. With only a few exceptions, most species cannot be identified based on photographs or external characters. The shape of the larval cases and host plants are very useful in identifying species, and high-quality dissections of genitalia are essential to recognize the majority of species. There are numerous species complexes with many undescribed species, and the taxonomy of Nearctic species remains largely unresolved.	The following is from a detailed description by Landry (2005). The head is white, except for the frons and vertex that are pale buff. The labial palp is also white, except for a pale brown streak tha...	The larvae apparently feed on Yellow-eyed Grasses, which are commonly found in Coastal Plain habitats that vary from wet to drier sites. Many of our native species are found at wet sites such as ditc...	Landry (2005) and many others found cases attached to the fruiting heads of a Yellow-eyed Grass (Xyris sp.). This is the only Coleophora that is known to feed on Xyris. ...	...		GNR SNR [S2?]	We have recent records from the Sandhills and the coast that appear to be northern disjuncts from this otherwise southern coastal species. Additional data are needed on the distribution and abundance ...
Retinia taedana Southern Pitch-blister Moth MONA_number: 2890.00		...	...		...			...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Retinia comstockiana Pitch Twig Moth MONA_number: 2889.00		Retinia comstockiana is distinctive among our Retinia species in having a heavily frosted head and thoracic region, along with a light orange ground that is overlain with light gray stri...	Populations are found in pine or mixed pine-hardwood stands. ...	Larvae specialize on pines (Fernald, 1879; Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Kimball and Jones, 1943; Schaffner, 1959; Miller, 1978; Lam et al., 2011) and Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) appears to be th...	The adults are attracted to lights. Resinous nodules or other feeding signs are often evident on first-year shoot growth. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina. As of 2022 we have fewer than 10 site records for the state....
Retinia houseri Minute Pitch-blister Moth MONA_number: 2902.00		The following description is based in part on that of Miller's (1959) original description of material from Ohio. The labial palp is white and the head dirty white except for dark gray scales around t...	Our records come from savannas and sandhills in the Coastal Plain and both upland and bottomland sites in the Piedmont....	The larvae and their associated resin nodules have been found on Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) (Brown et al., 2008; Miller and Neiswander 1955, 1956), but other pines are probably also used. ...	The adults occasionally visit lights and the resinous nodules can be found on the young stems of pines....		GNR S3S5	As of 2022 we have only six site records for this species, which suggests that is uncommon within the state....
Argyrotaenia mariana Gray-banded Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3625.00	The genus Argyrotaenia contains approximately 100 described species, with most occurring in Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Thirty-six species are currently recognized in North America.	The dorsum of the head and thorax are whitish except for dark scale tufts at the posterior end of the thorax. The color of the scale tufts tend to match a dark region near the dorsal margin of the win...	In North Carolina the adults are commonly found in hardwood forest settings or areas with hardwood forest and edge habitat, including semi-wooded residential neighborhoods. ...	The larvae are euryphagous and use a taxonomically diverse group of plants (Frost, 1927; Gilliatt, 1937; Prentice, 1966; Chapman and Lienk, 1971; Baker, 1972; Bradley, 1987; Pohl et al., 2005; Robinso...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Lambdina fervidaria Curve-lined Looper Moth MONA_number: 6894.00	One of nine members of this genus that occur in North America, four of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Two subspecies have been described, L. fervidaria fervidaria, which is primarily southern, and L. fervidaria athasaria, which has sometimes been considered a separate species (e.g., Forbes, 1948; Wagner et al., 2001; Maier et al., 2011). NatureServe currently recognizes athasaria as a full species.	A medium-sized, yellowish-brown Geometrid. The ground color is a pale cream, overlain by a conspicuous, coarse dusting of somewhat darker gray; in the form found from southern New Jersey to North Caro...	Records from the Piedmont come primarily from dry upland stands of hardwoods or mixed forests. Records from the Mountains come from both dry ridgetop hardwoods and mesic stands of riparian or cove fo...	Larvae are reportedly polyphagous, feeding primarily on hardwoods, including oaks (Quercus), American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), A...	The majority of our records come from 15 watt UV traps, with a few also observed at building lights. As in other members of this genus, L. fervidaria probably does not come to bait or visit fl...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	Occurring across most of the state and common to abundant in a wide range of habitats, this species appears to be secure in North Carolina. The taxonomic status of L. fervidaria as distinct fro...
Acrolepiopsis incertella Carrionflower Moth MONA_number: 2490.00		Superficially indistinguishable from A. heppneri (Landry, 2007)...	...	Larvae feed on Greenbriers (Smilax spp.), with Smooth Carrion-flower (S. herbacea) and Bristly Greenbrier (S. hispida) specifically being reported as host plants (Landry, 2007; Be...	...		GNR SNR [S2S4]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zale intenta Intent Zale MONA_number: 8713.10	One of 39 species in this genus that occur north of Mexico, 23 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Zale intenta was recently separated from Z. lunifera, a close sibling species, by Schmidt (2010).	Zale intenta and lunifera are most clearly distinguished using DNA analysis (including DNA bar-coding). Other characters that Schmidt used to distinguish the two species are variable, including size,...	In the Northeast, Zale lunifera is believed to be highly confined to sandy barrens located close to the coast, where they are associated with populations of Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia...	Wagner et al. (2011) reported that cherry (Prunus spp.) - especially Black Cherry (P. serotina) and plums - are the main host plants, although at least one adult has been reared by Dale ...	Appears to come moderately well to blacklights, with large numbers of individuals occasionally being collected in single traps. Like other Zale species, it probably also comes well to bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	Probably is a secure species in North Carolina but more information is needed on its distribution and habitat associations before its conservation needs can be estimated....
Zeiraphera claypoleana Buckeye Petiole Borer Moth MONA_number: 3238.00		The following description is from Forbes (1923). The forewing is pale brownish gray and shaded heavily with sage green. The inner half towards the base is green and has a well-defined outer boundary t...	Yellow Buckeye appears to be the primary host of this species in the Blue Ridge and is one of the most characteristic plants of Rich Cove Forests. Although it grows as high as 6,000' in Northern Hardw...	The larvae appear to feed on Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) throughout much of their range, and also use Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) in some areas (Litner, 1897; Robinson et al., 2010)....	The adults only occasionally come to lights, and many adult records are based on individuals that were reared from buckeyes. Populations are easy to document by searching for the wilted leaves of buck...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S4	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species to accurately assess its conservation status....
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 str...	Local populations are typically found in deciduous hardwood forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests and residential neighborhoods where hickories are present. ...	Blair (2023) found larvae on Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) in Virginia, which is currently the only known host as of 2024....	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. ...
Agonopterix flavicomella None MONA_number: 880.00	Agonopterix is a large holarctic genus with more than 125 species, with most occurring in the Palearctic Region. Currently, there are 47 recognized species in North America. Our species are largely confined to the western mountains.	The following description of the adults is based primarily on that of Clarke (1941). The labial palps and head are pale whitish ochreous. The second segment of the palp is strongly irrorated and suffu...	The habitats and hosts in North Carolina are poorly resolved. The larvae feed on members of the Apiaceae. Of the known hosts, Cow Parsnip and Yellow Pimpernel are the mostly likely hosts given that th...	Reported hosts include Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum) and Yellow Pimpernel (Taenidia integerrima) (Godfrey et al., 1987; 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 distribution and abundance of this species within the state to assess its conservation status. ...
Zanclognatha theralis Flagged Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8341.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	Our records come primarily from forested sites, but including both pine and hardwood dominated stands. Few, if any, come from open habitats, including savannas, maritime grasslands, and old fields....	Larvae have been reared from Old Man's Beard (Usnea) (Sigal, cited by Wagner et al., 2011), but other members of this genus typically feed on dead leaves....	Comes to blacklights....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S4S5]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zanclognatha protumnusalis Complex Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8349.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	The ground color is dull, dark fuscous (Forbes, 1954). The antemedian is waved on the veins and strongly excurved. The postmedian is dark and somewhat dentate and the subterminal is usually clear and ...	Our records come almost entirely from bottomlands, coves, and mesic slopes....	Wagner et al. (2011) report rearing larvae of this species on dead oak and Black Cherry leaves. In Canada, larvae have been reported feeding on conifer leaves (D. Lafontaine, cited by Wagner et al., 2...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S5]	...
Zanclognatha obscuripennis Dark Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8347.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	This species and Z. cruralis are very similar in size and markings. The lines in both species are generally strongly marked and even rather than waved. The antemedian is bent just below the costa but...	North Carolina records come from a wide range of forests and shrublands, including maritime forests, peatlands, bottomland hardwoods, longleaf pine flatwoods and savannas, Piedmont barrens, cove fores...	Larvae feed on dead leaves and detritus but has also been reared on hazel (Corylus) (Wagner et al., 2011)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S4S5]	...
Zanclognatha lituralis complex MONA_number: 8340.20	Populations that are currently recognized as Zanclognatha lituralis appear to constitute a species complex composed of at least two species (Rings et al., 1996). Barcoding indicates that there are two distinct genetic groups in North Carolina that differ genetically by more than two percent. The two groups seem to segregate spatially, with true Z. lituralis occurring in the Blue Ridge and western Piedmont, and a second species (here referred to as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis') occurring in the Coastal Plain (J.B. Sullivan, pers. comm.). Specimens from the Blue Ridge and Box Creek Preserve in Rutherford County barcode as true Z. lituralis, while over 20 specimens from several sites in the Coastal Plain all barcode as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Specimens from the central and eastern Piedmont have yet to be barcoded and could possibly be mixtures of both forms. Here, we provisionally treat specimens from the Blue Ridge and western Piedmont as Z. lituralis and those from the Coastal Plain as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Those from the central and eastern Piedmont are placed in this account as members of the Z. lituralis complex since their taxonomic affinities are uncertain. Dissections so far have not shown definitive characters that will separate the two species. In females there are three potential characters that may be helpful. These include the ductus being shorter in true Z. lituralis, the anterior end of the ductus being sclerotized in 'Zanclognatha near lituralis', and the field of cornuti beneath the crenulated anterior end of the bursa being vertically divided in 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Macro characters that might help include the average size of specimens and the clarity of the markings on the forewing. More data is need on size, and we encourage submitters to report the front wing lengths of their specimens.	...	...	...	...			...
Zanclognatha near lituralis MONA_number: 8340.10	Populations that are currently recognized as Zanclognatha lituralis appear to constitute a species complex composed of at least two species (Rings et al., 1996). Barcoding indicates that there are two distinct genetic groups in North Carolina that differ genetically by more than two percent. The two groups seem to segregate spatially, with true Z. lituralis occurring in the Blue Ridge and western Piedmont, and a second species (here referred to as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis') occurring in the Coastal Plain (J.B. Sullivan, pers. comm.). Specimens from the Blue Ridge and Box Creek Preserve in Rutherford County barcode as true Z. lituralis, while over 20 specimens from several sites in the Coastal Plain all barcode as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Specimens from the central and eastern Piedmont have yet to be barcoded and could possibly be mixtures of both forms. Here, we provisionally treat specimens from the Blue Ridge and western Piedmont as Z. lituralis and those from the Coastal Plain as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Those from the central and eastern Piedmont are placed in a separate account as members of the Z. lituralis complex. Dissections so far have not shown definitive characters that will separate the two species. In females there are three potential characters that may be helpful. These include the ductus being shorter in true Z. lituralis, the anterior end of the ductus being sclerotized in 'Zanclognatha near lituralis', and the field of cornuti beneath the crenulated anterior end of the bursa being vertically divided in 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Macro characters that might help include the average size of specimens and the clarity of the markings on the forewing. More data is need on size, and we encourage submitters to report the front wing lengths of their specimens.	...	...	...	...			...
Zanclognatha lituralis Lettered Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8340.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	Our records come from a wide variety of forested and open habitats. We do not know, however, whether there are any differences in the habitats used by the different forms of this species....	Larvae feed on dead leaves and other detritus (Wagner et al., 2011)....	Comes to blacklights....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Elaphria cornutinis MONA_number: 9681.20	One of fourteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), nine of which have been recorded in North Carolina	This is a summer-flying species that has been found in North Carolina from the Blue Ridge to the Fall-line Sandhills. It is darker brown than festivoides (Saluke and Pogue, 2000) but the differ...	In the Piedmont, records come primarily from bottomland hardwoods and shoreline habitats, with some coming from mesic slopes or upland swamp forests. In the Mountains and foothills, records come from ...	Host plants appear to be unknown (Saluke and Pogue, 2000)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	...
Elaphria alapallida Pale-winged Midget MONA_number: 9681.10	One of fourteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), nine of which have been recorded in North Carolina	This is a summer-flying, primarily montane species in North Carolina. The wing pattern is similar to those of the other members of this complex but is brighter-appearing particularly compared to f...	Our records come mainly from wet-mesic forests in the Mountains, including riparian forests, mountain bogs, and high elevation hardwoods. Piedmont records all come from monadnocks with extensive mesic...	Larval host plants appear to be unknown (Wagner et al., 2011)...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]	...
Elaphria festivoides Festive Midget MONA_number: 9681.00	One of fourteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), nine of which have been recorded in North Carolina.	This is a spring and fall-flying species that occurs almost solely in the Coastal Plain, favoring xeric sandhill habitats. Its forewings are drabber in color than the other two members of this complex...	Habitats include xeric, sandy areas along the coast and inland to the Fall-line Sandhills (Pogue and Sullivan, 2003). This contrasts with the association of alapallida with hardwood habitats....	Hosts are poorly documented. Wagner et al. (2011) list Box-elder (Acer negundo), but that seems highly unlikely to be used in North Carolina, given the association of this species with xeric ha...	This species comes to blacklights fairly well....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	The range, host plants, and habitats of this species need clarification due to its long confusion with other members of the Festivoides Complex, which occupy a very different set of habitats. In North...
Elaphria festivoides complex MONA_number: 9681.01		...	...	Unknown...	...			...
Zanclognatha minoralis None MONA_number: 8343.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	Our records all come from wet-mesic habitats, including cove forests, northern hardwoods, and riparian forests in the Mountains and swamp forests in the Coastal Plain. We are unsure, however, whether ...	Probably feeds on dead leaves and detritus, like other members of this genus....	...	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
Zanclognatha marcidilinea Yellowish Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8352.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Formerly, this species was identified as "jacchusalis" (e.g., see Forbes, 1956; Hodges et al., 1983; Covell, 1984), but was re-identified as "marcidilinea" by Lafontaine and Honey (2009) (see also Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), based on an examination of the type specimen. As another result of this analysis, the name "jacchusalis" was re-applied to the species that had formerly been known as "ochreipennis".	One of the larger species of Zanclognatha, marcidilinea is pale luteous- or gray-brown that is lightly and evenly dusted with fuscous scales (Forbes, 1954). The antemedian is waved and the postmedian...	Our records come from both wet-mesic and dry-xeric stands of hardwoods...	Larvae may feed on dead leaves and detritus like other members of this genus...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S4S5]	...
Zanclognatha martha Pine Barrens Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8350.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	North Carolina populations are associated with a wide range of pine stands and mixed pine-hardwood forests....	Larvae feed on pines, including Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) in the North (Wagner et al., 2011). North Carolina populations have been found in Pond Pine (P. serotina) woodlands and also in ...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S4S5]	...
Rhopobota dietziana Winterberry Moth MONA_number: 3277.00		The following is based in part on the original description by Kearfott (1907a). The head is pale brown on top, while the basal joints of the antenna and the face are white. The palps are white with br...	Local populations have been found in a variety of habitats that support native hollies, including coastal pinelands, maritime forests, pocosins, and bottomland forests....	The larvae appear to specialize on hollies (Eiseman, 2022; Heppner, 2007; J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.), with the known hosts including Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine), Inkberry (I. glabra) and...	The adults are attracted to lights and the mines can be found on native holly leaves. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S5	This species appears to be relatively secure within the state given that it is widespread and locally common in many places. ...
Rhopobota finitimana None MONA_number: 3278.00		Rhopobota finitimana is similar in maculation to R. dietziana (see the detailed description under that species), except that is has a completely brown face, head and scape, and the basal...	Local populations are most commonly found in bottomland and mesic forests, particularly those with stands of American Holly. ...	The larvae typically feed on native holly species (Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Brown et al., 2008; Lam et al., 2011; Eiseman, 2022). The known hosts include Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua), Mo...	The adults are attracted to lights and the digitate mines are commonly seen on American Holly and other hollies. ...		GNR S3S4	This species occurs throughout the state and can be locally common where the host plants are present. ...
Lithophane scottae Connecticut Pinion MONA_number: 9904.10	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	...	...	The hosts are apparently undocumented....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G2G4 SU [S2S3]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Leucania adjuta Adjutant Wainscot MONA_number: 10456.00	One of 30 species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2015), 16 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Previously included in Subfamily Hadeninae but moved to the much expanded Noctuinae by Lafontaine and Schmidt. They also included it in Tribe Leucaniini along with Mythimna.	...	Wagner et al. (2011) lists grasslands, marshes, ruderal areas, and lawns. We have a large number of records from residential neighborhoods and natural habitats range from sandhill and dune grasslands ...	Larvae feed on grasses, including Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) (Wagner et al., 2011). 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 [S5]	...
Lomographa glomeraria Gray Spring Moth MONA_number: 6668.00		...	Wagner et al. (2001) list shrubby fields, woodlands, and forest as habitat for this species. Our records come mainly from montane hardwood forests but there are also a few from mixed habitats, includi...	Larvae feed on cherry (Prunus), hawthorn (Crataegus), and possibly other species in the Rosaceae (Wagner et al., 2001)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	...
Sinoe chambersi None MONA_number: 1834.10	Sinoe was traditionally treated as a monotypic genus that is restricted to the eastern US. It has since been split into four species. In a revision of the genus, Lee and Brown (2012) redescribed S. robiniella and recognized two additional species (S. chambersi; S. kwakae) that occur in North Carolina.	The following is based on the description in Lee and Brown (2012). The head is white with a mixture with gray and brown scales, while the thorax is gray mixed with white scales. The antenna is brownis...	The preferred habitats are poorly documented. As of 2022, our three records are from a second growth hardwood forest, a partially wooded residential neighborhood, and a maritime shrub/forest communit...	The hosts are unknown. Lee and Brown (2012) noted that the adults are typically active before the spring leaf-out, which suggests that this species may not be a leaftier on woody legumes as is S. r...	All records to date are for adults that were attracted to lights. The larval ecology is unknown, so we encourage naturalists to search for the larvae and document the life history. ...		GNR SU	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of populations within the state to assess the conservation status of this species. ...
Lithophane hemina Hemina Pinion MONA_number: 9893.00	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	In the typical form, the forewings are fairly evenly colored in a dull grayish brown, shaded with various tints but typically with no obvious contrasts (Forbes, 1954). The reniform is diffuse, lacking...	Our records all come from cove forests and high elevation hardwood forests...	Larvae are polyphagous on many species of hardwood trees and shrubs (Wagner et al., 2011). Most of the reported species are associated with riparian or mesic hardwood forests, including birches (Be...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]	...
Tornos abjectarius None MONA_number: 6487.00	One of seven species in this New World genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Rindge, 1954), three of which have been recorded in North Carolina	A medium-sized, yellow-brown Geometrid with narrow, elongated wings held horizontally at rest. Sexes are dimorphic. In subspecies calcasiatus (the form in our area), the upper surface of the wi...	Almost all of our records come from pond, lake, or river shorelines. One record comes from a wet Longleaf Pine savanna....	Host plants are unknown (Rindge, 1954)....	Appears to come well to blacklights....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S3 [S3S4]	This species appears to be somewhat specialized in terms of habitat, but without knowing more about its host plants, distribution, and abundance within the state, are unable to accurately assess its c...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Tornos scolopacinaria Dimorphic Gray MONA_number: 6486.00	One of seven species in this New World genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Rindge, 1954), three of which have been recorded in North Carolina	This species is strongly sexually dimorphic. In subspecies scolopacinarius (the one in our area), males are "gray or grayish brown with maculation obsolescent" (Rindge, 1954). In females, the g...	The majority of our records come from Longleaf Pine savannas and flatwoods. Other records come from in or near old fields....	Larvae have been recorded on White Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides = Aster multiflorus), Lobed Tickseed (Coreopsis auriculata), and Largeflower Tickseed (Coreopsis grandi...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S4]	...
Proteoteras aesculana Maple Twig Borer Moth MONA_number: 3230.00		In this species the head, thorax, palps and ground color of the forewing tend to be dull olive green with various shades of gray and yellowish-brown. Small blackish markings and dusting usually overla...	Proteoteras aesculana is strongly associated with deciduous or mixed-deciduous forests, as well as urban areas where maples are planted as ornamentals. ...	The larvae feed on both maples and buckeyes, although maples are the primary hosts (Riley, 1881; Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Craighead et al., 1950; Powell, 1962b; Prentice, 1966; Wong et al., 1983;...	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found in wilted shoots of maples and possibly buckeyes following the spring leaf-out. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	This species is relatively common in North Carolina and shows no evidence of marked declines in populations. ...
Paralobesia rhoifructana MONA_number: 2716.00		...	...	According to Royals et al. (2019), P. rhoifructana is the most polyphagous recorded species in the genus, feeding on plants in several families. Reported hosts include sumac (Rhus), Ratt...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Macaria bisignata Red-headed Inchworm Moth MONA_number: 6342.00	This is one of 73 species in this genus that occur in North America, with 17 species occurring in North Carolina. In the latest checklist of North American Lepidoptera (Pohl and Nanz, 2023), North American members of the genus Speranza and Epelis were treated as junior synonyms of Macaria.	A medium sized Geometrid with the angled hindwings and sub-falcate forewings typical of this genus; as in other members of the bicolorata species group, bisignata has a reddish to ochre head that cont...	Records from the Mountains come from both mesic forests, such as floodplains and coves, and from drier slopes and ridges....	Larvae are reportedly stenophagous, feeding primarily on Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) (Ferguson, 2008; Maier et al., 2011). ...	Adults come well to 15 watt UV lights and we have at least a few records from building lights. We have no records from bait, however, or from flowers....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	Although this species is at least somewhat geographically restricted in North Carolina, it feeds on a common host plant and occurs in a wide range of habitats and over a wide elevational range in the ...
Gretchena amatana None MONA_number: 3264.00	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 ...	Local populations are generally associated with hardwood or mixed conifer-hardwood forests....	As of 2024, the host plants appear to be unknown....	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[S2S4]	This species appears to be somewhat uncommon in the state, but additional information is needed on its distribution, abundance and habitat requirements before its conservation status can be accurately...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Ephestia kuehniella Mediterranean Flour Moth MONA_number: 6020.00		...	...	Larvae are apparently highly polyphagous, reported on a variety of crop plants including peanut, peppers, soybean, barley, rice, peas, rye, potato, wheat, and corn; but also on walnut, cherry, and oak...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Pseudexentera kalmiana None MONA_number: 3255.00		...	...	The larva feeds on Kalmia angustifolia L. (Ferguson 1975, cited in Miller, 1986), probably referring to K. carolina as currently recognized (see LeGrand et al., 2023). ...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S1S3	...
Melanolophia canadaria Canadian Melanolophia MONA_number: 6620.00		A medium-sized, brownish Geometrid that is very similar to Melanolophia signataria. The ground color is whitish in northern specimens but is darker in the South, heavily dusted with fucsous and...	...	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a very wide range of hardwood trees and shrubs; also on pines (Wagner, 2005). As of 2024, we have records for Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Sweetgum (	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]	...
Coleotechnites florae Coleotechnites Flower Moth MONA_number: 1809.00	The genus Coleotechnites includes 49 very small species that occur in North America. Most species are specialists on conifers and tend to use on a single genus of host plant. Many of the Coleotechnites species have almost identical genitalia that are not very useful in delineating closely related forms (Freeman, 1960; 1965). Freeman (1960) noted that host plants and the mining characteristics often provide the most reliable way to identify closely related species.	The following is based in part on the description by Freeman (1960). The antenna is alternately marked with ocherous and black bands. The second joint of the labial palp has black-tipped scales below,...	The larvae mine the needles of pines, and populations can be found in pine and mixed pine-hardwood forests. ...	The known hosts (Robinson et al., 2010) are all western and northern species, and include Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta), Apache Pine (P. engelmannii), and Red Pine (P. resinosa...	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	Additional information is needed on host use, distribution, and abundance before we can assess the conservation status of this species within the state. ...
Pseudexentera cressoniana Shagbark Hickory Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3246.00	The genus Pseudexentera currently has 19 recognized species that are found primarily in North and Central America, with 17 recognized species in the US. They are typically found in forested settings and most fly very early in the year. Many are challenging to identify, particularly the species with fasciate forewing patterns that often show substantial intraspecific variation in patterning and have slight differences in genitalia (Miller, 1968; Gilligan et al., 2008). There has been a long history of misidentified species in the group (Miller, 1968) and there is still much confusion about external traits that are useful in sorting out certain closely related forms. DNA barcoding has not proven to be particularly useful in sorting out species since recognized species often have two or more BINS that contain multiple species names. This likely reflects weak genetic differentiation between certain forms and the large numbers of misidentified specimens in collections. Miller (1968) conducted a taxonomic revision and reviewed all of the recognized species in North America, but did not provide detailed descriptions of external coloration, patterning, or intraspecific variation within species. Here, we treat our assignment of the fasciate specimens to species as provisional since they are based on images or pinned specimens that have not been barcoded or dissected to examine genitalia. Even with the latter, specimens cannot always be confidently assigned to species.	The following description is based primarily on that of McDunnough (1940). The palps, head, thorax, antenna and basal area of the forewing are concolorous and a deep leaden to pale slate gray. A large...	Local populations are associated with hardwood or mixed hardwood-conifer forests, particularly where hickories and oaks are well-represented. Populations have been found in both natural communities an...	The larvae reportedly feed on hickories, including Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata; Brown et al., 2008; Miller, 1986), as well as Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and other oaks (Heinrich,...	The adults are attracted to lights. We need observations on host use in North Carolina populations and detailed studies of the larval life history. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species to accurately assess its conservation status. ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Hydriomena renunciata Renounced Hydriomena MONA_number: 7236.00	One of 56 species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (McDunnough, 1954, covered 55 and Rindge added Hydriomena peratica in 1956). Most are boreal or are found in the West, with only five recorded in North Carolina.	...	...	Larvae reportedly feed on alders (Alnus) (Wagner et al., 2002)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S1S2]	...
Zale submediana Gray Spring Zale MONA_number: 8702.00	One of 39 species in this genus that occur north of Mexico, 23 of which have been recorded in North Carolina	Submediana is one of the larger species in the pine-feeding group, similar in size to obliqua and with at least some forms possessing a similar blue-gray ground color (Forbes, 1954; Rings et al., 1992...	The sites where submediana has been recorded in North Carolina contain a mixture of both upland and wetland pine-containing habitats, including peatlands, floodplains, sandhills, and dry Piedmont ridg...	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding solely on hard pines. Wagner et al. (2011) specifically mention Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), which does not occur in North Carolina, and Pitch Pine (P. rigid...	Zale submediana may be poorly attracted to lights, which, along with its relatively early flight period, could be a factor explaining the scarcity of records in North Carolina. Bait is probably...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G5 SNR [S3S4]	Although an uncommonly collected species in North Carolina, too little is known about the distribution and habitat affinities of submediana to estimate its conservation needs....
Lithophane disposita Dashed Gray Pinion MONA_number: 9892.00	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 all come from riparian areas....	Larvae feed mainly on willow (Salix) and poplars (Populus, especially aspen); also on birch (Betula) and elm (Ulmus), and probably others (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not ...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S2S3]	...
Eupithecia columbiata Columbia Pug Moth MONA_number: 7459.00		The ground color is slightly brownish to gray; the outer third is somewhat mottled due to vague fuscous shades opposite the cell and at the fold (Forbes, 1948). The postmedian is even rather than con...	...	Larvae reportedly feed on a range of hardwoods, including maple (Acer), alder (Alnus), serviceberry (Amelanchier), birch (Betula), poplar (Populus), cherry (Prunu...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]	...
Eupithecia swettii None MONA_number: 7530.00		The forewings are elongate, more than twice as long as wide, but triangular in shape with an oblique outer margin (Forbes, 1948); the are pointed apically and have a checkered fringe (McDunnough, 1949...	...	Host plants are poorly documented, but there are BugGuide records for larvae on Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) and Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) (George Smiley), as well as an oak...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S3S4]	...