Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Olethreutes permundana Raspberry Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 2817.00	Specimens that have been referred to as Olethreutes permundana have generated a long history of confusion and likely represent a poorly resolved species complex, with BOLD showing five BINS (Gilligan et al., 2008). The larvae have been reported to use a wide diversity of hosts, but these may reflect misidentified specimens by Heinrich (1926) and other workers over the years. Gilligan et al. (2008) and McDunnough (1956) restricted application of the name O. permundana to the Rubus feeding species. Gilligan et al. (2008) also note that no one has proposed morphological characters that will reliably separate O. permundana from similar looking species reared on other hosts. Here, our assignment of specimens to this species are best treated as provisional.	Olethreutes permundana most commonly has an overall brownish or reddish-brown appearance. The medial fascia and larger blotches on the forewing are surrounded by leaden-colored bands that are o...	Our records come from both residential neighborhoods and natural habitats, including mountain bogs, Piedmont lakeshores and marshes. ...	The larvae are polyphagous and feed on a wide range of hardwood trees, shrubs, and vines (Brown et al., 2008); hickory (Carya), hazel (Corylus), sumac (Rhus), meadowsweet (Spir...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	...
Calosima dianella Eastern Pine Catkin Borer Moth MONA_number: 1169.00		The following is based primarily on the description by Dietz (1910) and Clarke (1960; as Holcocera lepidophaga). The labial palp is slender, reaches to the antennal insertion, and is sordid whi...	Populations appear to be strongly dependent on Slash Pine and Longleaf Pine for successful reproduction. These species are most commonly found in habitats with sandy soils. Slash Pine is not native, ...	Heppner (2003) listed Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) and Longleaf Pine (P. palustris) as hosts. Specimens have been observed outside of the range of these species, which suggests that othe...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S3S4]	As of 2021, we have only three site records for this species, suggesting that it may be uncommon within the state. More detailed information on its distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements ar...
Cenopis cana Gray Cenopis MONA_number: 3728.00	The genus Cenopis has 19 described species. Seventeen of these are restricted to North America, and all 17 occur in the eastern United States (Brown and Sullivan, 2018). Males of Cenopis are easily distinguished from those of Sparganothis by the presence of complex scaling on the frons of the head that forms an unusual “hood” of scales. The males also have a deeply invaginated or folded anal area of the hindwing that bears a distinctive hair pencil.	In this species the adults have a simple gray forewing color and pattern that will distinguish them from our other Cenopis. The following description is based on that of Powell and Brown (2012)...	The habitats are poorly delineated. ...	The hosts are poorly documented, but one specimen from North Carolina has been reared from Sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua; Powell and Brown, 2012)....	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 seemingly uncommon throughout most of its range, including North Carolina. ...
Acrolophus propinqua Walsingham's Grass Tubeworm Moth MONA_number: 374.00	The genus Acrolophus is a mostly neotropical taxon with over 250 described species, including 54 that are currently recognized in North America. The labial palps on the males of many species are very elongated and densely hairy. The larvae of some species live in silk-lined burrows in the ground and feed on the roots and young shoots of grasses and herbs. However, the life histories of most species remain undocumented and in need of study. Members of this genus were previously placed in their own family (Acrolophidae), but they are now treated as a subgroup within the Tineidae based on molecular phylogenetic studies.	This species varies widely in size and color. Several forms were described as separate species by earlier workers that were later treated as being conspecific with Acrolophus propinqua (Hasbro...	The larval hosts are undocumented and it is uncertain if this species is dependent on specific hosts to complete the life cycle. ...	The hosts are unknown. Many Acrolophus live in underground burrows and feed on the roots and young shoots of grasses and herbs. However, there are exceptions and the life history of the larval...	Both the males and females are attracted to lights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements of this species to assess its conservation status. ...
Megalopyge pyxidifera Yellow Flannel Moth MONA_number: 4642.00	This is one of four members of this genus in North America, two of which occur in North Carolina. This species has a long history of being placed back and forth between the genus Megalopyge and Lagoa. Becker (1995) was the last to reinstate Megalopyge.	This species is similar in size and shape to Megalopyge crispata but the wings, body, legs, and antennae are entirely pale to amber yellow with no markings. The broad forewings possess wavy hai...	All of our observations for this species come from dry sand ridges in the Coastal Plain...	The larvae appear to be polyphagous (Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010). The known hosts include Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) and other oaks, hackberries (Celtis), Wax-myrtle (Mor...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...	Listed as Significantly Rare by the Natural Heritage Program. That designation, however, does not confer any legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4G5 S2S3	Although this species can be locally common, we have records from fewer than 20 sites in North Carolina. It appears to be a strong habitat specialist, occurring almost entirely in Longleaf Pine habita...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Lesmone hinna MONA_number: 8653.00		...	...	...	...		GNR SNR [SNR]	Only a single record currently exists for this species in North Carolina, which may represent a stray from further south. Its residency status needs to be established before its conservation needs can...
Lobocleta peralbata Speckled Wave MONA_number: 7100.00		...	Our records come primarily from sand ridge habitats in the Coastal Plain but we also have records from mafic barrens and woodlands in the Piedmont....	Host plants are poorly known, but there is a BugGuide record (Charles Melton, 2018) for a larva on Bigelow's Bristlehead (Carphochaete bigelovii) in Arizona. The hosts used in North Carolina ar...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]	...
Bucculatrix new species 2 - on Eupatorium compositifolium MONA_number: 577.20	This is an undescribed species that was discovered in North Carolina by Tracy Feldman and feeds on Eupatorium capillifolium and E. compositifolium.	...	...	...	...			...
Ephestia columbiella None MONA_number: 6020.10		...	...	The hosts are apparently undocumented....	...			...
Epiblema mandana None MONA_number: 3123.00		The following description is based on that of Wright and Gilligan (2023). In this species the vertex and thorax are brown, while the frons is tan. The antenna is brown with conspicuous black marks on ...	Our records are mostly from fragmented landscapes that have mixtures of forests, pastures, fields, residential developments and roadway corridors. ...	The larval host plants are undocumented. ...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...		GNR[S3S4]	This species may be more common than our records suggest due to confusion with sibling species. More information is needed on its distribution and host use before we can accurately assess its conserva...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Metarranthis angularia Angled Metarranthis MONA_number: 6823.00	One of thirteen species in this genus currently recognized as occurring in North America north of Mexico (Pohl et al., 2016). Twelve have been recorded in North Carolina.	...	...	Larvae reportedly feed on cherry (Prunus sp.) (Forbes, 1948; Covell, 1984)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S5]	...
Epina alleni MONA_number: 5469.00		...	...		...			...
Tegeticula unidentified species MONA_number: 198.21	Adults of our species of Tegeticula and Prodoxus cannot be reliably identified without inspection of the female's mouthparts or adults genitalia. Here we use 'Tegeticula unidentified' as a generic term for specimens that might be either species.	...	...	...	...			...
Microtheoris ophionalis Yellow-veined Moth MONA_number: 4796.00		This is a small, distinctive moth that has brick-red to brownish-red coloration on the head, thorax and ground of the forewing, along with prominent palps that project forward. The forewing has a curv...	Populations in North Carolina are generally found in sandy, xeric communities. ...	Despite being very widespread and common, the feeding ecology and host plants of this species (if any) are undocumented. ...	The adults are attracted to lights and are occasionally seen during the day. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S4	This species appears to reach its northern limits along the Atlantic Coast states in North Carolina, where it appears to be uncommon. ...
Cochylis caulocatax None MONA_number: 3771.00		...	...	Host plants are apparently unknown....	...			...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Hemipachnobia subporphyrea Venus Flytrap Cutworm Moth MONA_number: 10993.00	Hemipachnobia is a North American genus composed of two species, both of which have been recorded in eastern North Carolina. The genus Hemipachnobiawas defined by McDunnough in 1929, with H. monochromatea designated as the type species (McDunnough, 1929; Lafontaine, 1998). Although Smith (1891) tentatively listed subporphyrea as a synonym of monochromatea, other authors treated the two species as belonging to separate genera until relatively recently (Hall and Sullivan, 2000).	Hemipachnobia subporphyrea is a medium-sized, purplish to reddish brown Noctuid. Head and thorax are concolorous with the ground color of the forewings, which varies from a wine-red shade (a su...	All of our records come from Longleaf Pine savannas and flatwoods. All but one come from sites where populations of Venus Flytraps exist and the one exception came from an area where flytraps may have...	Aubrey Shaw (pers. comm. to SPH) found larvae feeding on cultivated flytraps growing under semi-natural conditions on his farm in Bladen County and near where he had originally collected his plants. A...	Adults come at least sparingly to blacklights but efforts to collect it using bait have not worked so far. Larvae have now been observed on flytraps on a number of occasions by Laurie Hamon (NC NHP) a...	Listed as Significantly Rare by the Natural Heritage Program. That designation, however, does not confer any legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G1 S1?	This species appears to be extremely rare globally, not having been collected between the late 1700s and 1974, when a population was rediscovered in North Carolina. Since then, populations have been ...
Eumorpha intermedia Intermediate Sphinx MONA_number: 7860.00	This is largely a Neotropical genus but 12 species are recorded from the U.S. and 5 from North Carolina.	Similar but slightly smaller than Eumorpha pandorus; browner and the underside is rusty red instead of gray green (see Brou, 2011, for illustrations). Sexes are similar. ...	...	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on the Vitaceae, including wild grapes (Vitis) and Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) (Heppner, 2007). Our only larval record (iNaturalist, H...	Adults, like other members of this genus, probably visit flowers but do not come to bait. The scarcity of records both in North Carolina and elsewhere may be due to their lack of attraction to low int...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G3G4 SNR [SU]	Most likely, this species is a migrant to our area from its core range along the Gulf Coast. However, records are scarce even within the heart of its range and it is at least possible that it could e...
Psilocorsis reflexella Dotted Leaftier Moth MONA_number: 957.00	Psilocorsis is a small genus with around 15 described species and several undescribed forms. They range from southeastern Canada to northern South America, but appear to be absent from the West Coast (Hodges, 1974). Seven species occur in North America north of Mexico (Pohl et al., 2016), three of which have been recorded in North Carolina.	The head is ferruginous-brown and the labial palp is light ochreous with dark stripes. The second segment has some fuscous shading exteriorly. The thorax and forewing are ochreous and sometimes strong...	The larvae are polyphagous and require hardwoods as hosts. Our records come from wooded residential neighborhoods as well as more natural habitats such as upland hardwood slopes in the mountains. Loca...	Larvae feed on a wide range of hardwood trees and shrubs, including maples, birches, hickories, hazelnuts, beech, poplars, willows, basswoods and oaks (Forbes, 1974; Robinson et al., 2010; Marquis et ...	The adults are attracted to lights. We need data on host use in North Carolina, and encourage naturalists to search for the larvae and document the larval ecology. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	Populations are common and appear to be secure in the Piedmont and mountains. The status of Coastal Plain populations is less certain. ...
Chaetaglaea fergusoni Ferguson's Sallow MONA_number: 9948.10	Currently this genus of 5 species is wholly North American and three of the species are found in North Carolina. The genus is quite similar to other “glaeas” and distinguished largely by features of the male valve and aedeagus.	This species resembles a C. rhonda but is darker and has a reddish sheen to the outer third of the forewing; the markings also tend to be less accentuated in fergusoni and there also usually a dusting...	Our records are all from Longleaf Pine habitats, including both savannas and sandhills....	Host plants are apparently unknown....	Known to respond to lights and probably is attracted to bait but not flowers...	Listed as Significantly Rare by the Natural Heritage Program. That designation, however, does not confer any legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G3G4 S1S2	We have only few records for this species, which appears to be quite rare throughout its entire range. At least part of the scarcity of records may be due to its flight period from the end of October...
Polychrysia morigera None MONA_number: 8902.00	One of six members of this Holarctic genus, two of which occur in North America (Lafontaine and Poole, 1991). Only P. morigera occurs in the East.	A medium-sized, mottled dark brown Looper, with a distinctive dagger-shaped, hollow stigma that reaches the postmedian line. Hindwings are a fairly dark brown....	We have records from cove forests at two sites, but also from Spruce-fir Forests....	The only reported hosts for this species are larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) (Lafontaine and Poole, 1991). Our two native species are associated with rich soils, including rich cove forests in the ...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 S1S2	Lafontaine and Poole (1991) regarded this species as the rarest Plusiine occurring in North America, despite its fairly wide range....
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Pero morrisonaria Morrison's Pero MONA_number: 6755.00	One of nineteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Poole, 1987; Pohl et al., 2016), four of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	We have records from high elevation forests, including the summits of Mt. Mitchell, Clingman's Dome, and Grandfather Mountain, but also from cove forests and riparian forests at lower elevations, e.g....	Larvae feed on a variety of conifers and possibly some hardwood species. Reported hosts include fir (Abies), larch (Larix), spruce (Picea), pine (Pinus), and hemlock (Ts...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	This species appears to be associated with Hemlock Forests and Spruce-fir Forests, all of which are under attack from invasive exotic insects and are likely to become even more stressed due to climate...
Eupithecia miserulata Common Eupithecia MONA_number: 7474.00		The ground color is dull grayish brown; but North Carolina specimens are often shaded with green -- particularly in winter specimens (not mentioned by either Forbes, McDunnough, or Rindge). The discal...	We have records from a very wide variety of open and forested, dry and wet forests. Many records come from residential areas....	Larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding on flowers but also a variety of woody trees and shrubs. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list American Yarrow (Achillea gracilis), asters, fleabanes (	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]	...
Symmerista leucitys Orange-humped Mapleworm Moth MONA_number: 7953.00		...	...	Larvae feed on maples, particularly Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) (Wagner, 2005)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 GNR [S4S5]	...
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]	...
Pangrapta decoralis Decorated Owlet Moth MONA_number: 8490.00		...	Our records come from virtually all heath-containing habitats in the state, ranging from pocosins to high elevation rocky summits....	Oligophagous, larvae feed on a wide range of heaths, including Vaccinium, Gaylussacia, Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), and Staggerbush (Lyonia mariana) (Wagner et al., 2011...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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 ground color and bold black lines makes it unmistakeable, but the color fade...	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....
Caloptilia bimaculatella Maple Caloptilia MONA_number: 595.00	Caloptilia is a large genus with nearly 300 described species; 64 species have been described in North America north of Mexico. The larvae begin as leaf-mining sap-feeders, but the latter instars usually exit the mines and feed within a conical roll that begins at the leaf apex or at the tip of a leaf lobe.	The forewing ground color, the top of the head, and the top of the thorax are purplish to brown. The forewing has two golden, rounded triangles (costal patches) that often touch or nearly touch, and t...	Caloptilia bimaculatella uses maples as host species and is primarily found in habitats with Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sugar Maple (A. saccharum)x and Silver Maple (Acer sacchar...	Conical leaf rolls with larvae have been found on several species of maples in the eastern US, including Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sugar Maple (A. saccharum), and Silver Maple (A. sacc...	The adults are attracted to UV lights. Searching for larvae in the rolled leaf tips of maples may prove to be a productive way to document local populations. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	...
Catocala umbrosa Umber Underwing MONA_number: 8801.10	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Gall and Hawks, 2010; Kons and Borth, 2015a,b), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina.	The pattern is very similar to that of Catocala ilia, with both species showing a fairly wide range of variation (see Brou, 2002a). C. umbrosa is generally brown to brownish gray, whereas C. ilia ran...	Most of our records come from dry-to-xeric oak-hickory woodlands, including Coastal Fringe Sandhills and Maritime Scrub, corresponding with associations observed elsewhere (Wagner et al., 2011). Howe...	Larvae are probably stenophagous, feeding on oaks (Quercus spp.). Wagner et al. (2011) state that it is associated with Bear Oak (Q. ilicifolia) in the Northeast, but we have no records ...	All of our records come from blacklight sampling or from direct observations during the day (e.g., through "tapping"). Like other Underwings, including C. ilia, umbrosa probably 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]	Our records are too sparse to determine its status in North Carolina. More needs to be learned about its host plant and habitat associations in North Carolina before an accurate assessment can be mad...
Palpita freemanalis Freeman's Palpita MONA_number: 5225.00		This species has two distinct forms that appear to be seasonal morphs. In the winter form, the ground color is gray and the dark markings are fuscous, while in the summer form, the ground color is whi...	Our records come from residential neighborhoods and from both mesic and dry natural habitats....	The larval host plants are undocumented, but presumably are one or more members of the Oleaceae. ...	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	...
Rheumaptera prunivorata Cherry Scallop Shell Moth MONA_number: 7292.00	This species (Ferguson, 1955) was previously placed in the genus Hydria (Hodges et al. 1983), then later in Rheumaptera, before being returned to Hydria (Hausmann and Viidalepp 2012). The latest 2023 checklist of North American has returned it to Rheumaptera (Pohl and. Nanz, 2023).	Rheumaptera undulata and R. prunivorata are two cryptic species that can only be reliably separated using genitalia. In western North Carolina they tend to separate to some extent elevat...	Woodland edges, overgrown fields, and hedgerows (Wagner et al., 2001). We have records from maritime dunes and forests and mesic hardwood forests in the Coastal Plain. In the Mountains, our records co...	Larvae feed on Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) (Wagner, 2005), which has been confirmed as a host in North Carolina....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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...
Eupithecia palpata Small Pine Looper Moth MONA_number: 7449.00		...	Pine barrens, woodlands, forests, and pine plantations (Wagner et al., 2001). Our records come from Spruce-Fir Forests, other high elevation forest, and cove forests ....	Reported hosts include firs (Abies), pines (Pinus), larches (Larix), and spruce (Picea) (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]	...
Elasmopalpus lignosella Lesser Cornstalk Borer Moth MONA_number: 5896.00		...	...	Larvae are polyphagous, consuming many crop species and grasses. Reported hosts include onion, peanut, oats, beets, cabbage, turnip, peppers, Bermuda Grass, nutsedges, Sweet Potato, rice, beans, tomat...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Dichrorampha bittana None MONA_number: 3406.00		This species varies substantially in coloration and patterning. Some individuals are light golden yellow throughout, while others are heavily suffused with brown that can cover the basal half or so o...	Specimens in North Carolina have mostly been found deciduous forests or forest edge habitats. ...	The hosts are poorly documented, but evidence suggests that they may be stem and root borers of Symphyotrichum (McDunnough, 1946, Putnam, 1942) and other composites such as Hoary Tansyaster (	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 [S2-S3]	This species appears to reach its southern limits in western North Carolina and is uncommon in the region. We need additional information on its host use, habitat requirements, distribution and abunda...
Tortricidia flexuosa of authors Abbreviated Button Slug Moth MONA_number: 4654.00	The adults of this species and T. pallida are two forms that have been treated as both a single species and two species over the years. Many of the specimens cannot be differentiated based on either the larvae or adult coloration, patterning, or external morphology. Other evidence such as genitalia or molecular barcoding data have also been found to be of little value. Experts that specialize in this group suspect that they are conspecific (Wagner, 2005; MPG). As such they are perhaps best treated as a poorly resolved species complex, T. pallida/flexuosa. We continue to recognize both species, with the caveat that many of our identifications based on external features such as coloration and patterning are provisional. Another issue involves nomenclature. As noted by Epstein and Fiesler (in Pohl and Nanz, eds.; 2023) and reported here verbatim, the original description of T. pallida by Herrich-Schäffer was only an illustration, one that matches what has been considered to be T. flexuosa by authors since. By priority, this would make the more marked phenotypes to be true T. pallida rather than those with little or no markings: the T. pallida of authors that followed. Tortricidia pallida of authors would be another taxon, perhaps T. flavula, which matches the less marked phenotype but is a darker, more vivid orange-brown. Pending further research, for expediency Epstein and Fiesler treated the species as they have most recently been known, and append "of authors" to both names to reflect the uncertainty in application of the names as they were described. In the text that follows, we refer to "Tortricidia flexuosa of authors" as simply Tortricidia flexuosa.	This species has two forms with intermediate variations. The pale (typical) form has a forewing that is pale orange to pale yellow. It is overlain by a brown or reddish AM line (often faint) that exte...	Populations are found in deciduous forests, along forest edges, and in semi-wooded residential areas. ...	The larvae feed on deciduous broadleaf trees (Prentice, 1966; Robinson et al., 2010; Beadle & Leckie, 2012). The reported hosts include Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Gray Birch (Betula popul...	Readily attracted to lights....			This species is relatively common across the state, but because of the identification challenges, a clear picture of the status of T. flexuosa in the state may prove elusive for the near future...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Synanthedon exitiosa Peachtree Borer Moth MONA_number: 2583.00	North America has 136 or more species in the family Sesiidae, and the large genus Synanthedon constitutes around half of the 37 species found in North Carolina, many being similar in appearance to one another. Some sesiids, known broadly as clearwing borers, are significant pests of commercial crops. Almost all are mimics of wasps and hornets.	Synanthedon exitiosa is both strongly sexually dimorphic and polymorphic, with several color forms that vary in frequency across its broad geographic range. The females are distinct in being al...	Local populations are commonly found in mesic forest and forest-edge habitats, and in orchards, nurseries and residential neighborhoods where the host plants are found....	This species is an economically important pest of Peach (Prunus persica), but also uses other Prunus species that are cultivated or used as ornamentals (Covell, 1984; Eichlin and Duckwor...	The diurnally-active adults are not attracted to lights or bait, but females may be seen around food plants and nectaring on flowers. Males are unlikely to be seen in the wild, but readily come to phe...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 [S4S5]	Given its economic importance, this is among the most-studied of sesiids. It is a common and widespread species in North Carolina and is easily attracted to pheromone lures. While sample size has been...
Paranthrene simulans Hornet Clearwing MONA_number: 2527.00	North America has 136 or more species in the family Sesiidae, with 37 species found in North Carolina. Many are similar in appearance to one another, and some are significant pests of commercial crops. Almost all are mimics of wasps and hornets.	Paranthrene simulans is a large black and yellowish to yellowish-orange species that closely resembles the queens of native hornets (Vespa spp.). The resemblance includes its coloration,...	Local populations are generally found in hardwood forests or residential settings with oaks, including habitats that range from bottomland forests to more xeric habitats. ...	The larvae feed on American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) and a wide variety of oaks, including members of both the red oak and white oak groups (Engelhardt, 1946, Brown and Mizzel, 1993; Solomon...	The adults are diurnally active and do not visit lights. They can be found around infested trees, but are most easily collected using traps with artificial pheromone lures. ...		GNR [S3S4]	This species is widespread within North Carolina and is probably more common that records suggest due to its two-year population cycle and relatively short flight season. ...
Sciota subcaesiella Locust Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 5796.00		The hindwings of subcaesiella are much lighter almost hyaline (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.)...	...	Larvae feed on woody legumes (Prentice, 1966; Robinson et al., 2010). Reported hosts include Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida), Black Locust (R. p...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	...
Larisa subsolana Dark-based Larisa MONA_number: 3423.00	Larisa is a monotypic genus with a single species that is widespread in eastern North America.	The following is based in part on the description by Miller (1978). The labial palp is slightly upturned, with the second segment expanded apically. The antenna is about two-fifths the forewing length...	Local populations are generally associated with hardwood or mixed conifer-hardwood forests that support hickories. These include bottomland forests as well as mesic to drier communities in upland sett...	The larvae feed on Pecan (Carya illinoensis) and presumably other hickory species in North Carolina and elsewhere that are outside of the range of Pecan (Lam et al., 2011). There is a museum re...	The adults are attracted to lights. Information is needed on host use in North Carolina as well as details of the larval life history. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	Populations appear to be secure in North Carolina. ...
Ponometia parvula None MONA_number: 9083.00	One of 34 species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), six of which have been recorded in North Carolina	A medium-small, yellow Acontiine. The ground color of the forewings is ochraceous-yellow, shaded with rufous, particular a subapical triangle extending inward from the outer margin to the reniform (Ha...	Almost all of our records come from open, wet habitats, including Longleaf Pine Savannas, Sandhill Seeps, and sedgy habitats associated with filled-in beaver ponds. Only one of our records comes from ...	Larval host plants are apparently unknown but six other members of this genus for which host plants have been identified all feed on the flowers of composites (Asteraceae) (Wagner et al., 2011). At Fo...	All of our records come from blacklight traps....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S3	We have few records for this apparently globally restricted species. It also appears to be specialized on wet, Longleaf-pine habitats, but we still do not have enough information about its host plants...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Filatima serotinella None MONA_number: 2172.00	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.	Filatima serotinella is easily recognized by the prominent labial brush, its overall blackish coloration, and the presence of a prominent chocolate-brown streak along the costa that terminates ...	This species is dependent on Black Cherry as a food source. Black Cherry is common in hardwood and mixed-hardwood forests in the mountains and elsewhere. The seeds are dispersed by birds, and plants ...	Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is the only known host in North Carolina, though there is a BugGuide record (George Smiley, 2022) for a larva on Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) in Texas....	The adults occasionally come to lights. The leaf folds are rather conspicuous on Black Cherry leaves, and the striped larvae are rather distinctive. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S3	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species within the state to assess its conservation status. ...
Nematocampa baggettaria Baggett's Spanworm Moth MONA_number: 7010.10	One of three species in this genus that occur north of Mexico (Ferguson, 2008), two of which are found in North Carolina	A small orange-brown Geometrid. Much smaller than N. resistaria, with more rounded wings and with little or no reticulated patterning. In some specimens, the outer third of both wings is darkened, si...	Most of our records come from stands of hardwoods, including both riparian forests or dry-mesic forests growing on slopes. A few records also come from Longleaf Pine habitats, including sandhills, but...	Larval hosts are apparently unknown (Ferguson, 2008)....	Comes at least to some extent to blacklights but we have no records from bait. Currently, we do not know enough about the habitats or abundance of this species to determine how well we are detecting i...	Listed as Significantly Rare by the Natural Heritage Program. That designation, however, does not confer any legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G3 S1S2	Appears to be rare throughout its range (Ferguson, 2008) but more needs to be learned about its host plants and habitats in order to determine the underlying causes for its scarcity (NatureServe, 2015...
Nematocampa resistaria Horned Spanworm Moth MONA_number: 7010.00	One of three species in this genus that occur north of Mexico (Ferguson, 2008), two of which are found in North Carolina	A moderately small Geometrid with a pale yellowish (males) or cream (females) ground color, overlain with a reticulated pattern of fine brown lines. The subterminal and terminal areas are typically d...	The majority of our records come from wet areas dominated by hardwoods, including swamps and riparian habitats but not peatlands. A few records come from drier or more open habitats, such as maritime...	Polyphagous, feeding on more than 60 species of both hardwood trees and shrubs, conifers, and forbs (Ferguson, 2008). Wagner et al. (2011) specifically list fir (Abies), maple (Acer), bu...	Comes well to blacklights but we have no records from bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	Occupies a wide range of forested habitats across the state and is broadly polyphagous; appears to be quite secure in North Carolina...
Nymphuliella daeckealis China Mark Moth MONA_number: 4753.00		...	Munroe (1972) describes this species as a bog inhabitant, often seen resting on Utricularia. One of the three sites where this species has been collected in North Carolina is a sandhill seep, w...	...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S1S2]	...
Eoparargyractis irroratalis Dewy Leafcutter Moth MONA_number: 4785.00		This is a small but colorful moth that typically rests with the wings held tentlike over the body. The palps and head are mostly whitish, while the forewing has a white ground color that is overlain w...	The larvae are aquatic and are found in both sluggish streams and standing water habitats such as ponds and lakes. ...	The host plants are undocumented, but this species is suspected of being an algae feeder. ...	The adults are attracted to lights. Much more information is needed on the larval life history and ecology. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	This is a locally common species that is affiliated with streams and wetlands; it appears to be secure within the state. ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Anatrachyntis rileyi Pink Scavenger Caterpillar Moth MONA_number: 1512.00	Pyroderces is a genus of small comet moths that are primarily found in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate parts of the world. They are well represented in Australia and the Old World tropics, and there are three species in North America. Hodges (1978) placed our three species in the genus Pyroderces, but Europeans usually place these in the genus Anatrachyntis.	The following is based on the original description by Walsingham (1882). The head is chestnut-brown and the eyes are red. The labial palps are recurved, widely divergent, and terminate at or beyond th...	This species is associated with human habitation and agricultural operations. The adults feed on a variety of stored grains, cultivated fruits, and decomposing plant debris. ...	The larvae are highly polyphagous, and mostly feed as scavengers or detritivores on a variety of plant material (Landry, 2001). They have also been reported to mine leaves and to prey upon scale insec...	The adults are attracted to lights, and can often be found in stored grains, decomposing plant material, and other organically rich substances. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [SNA]	This is thought to be an introduced species, but this needs to be verified. If so, it does not merit protection. ...
Euchlaena amoenaria Deep Yellow Euchlaena MONA_number: 6733.00	One of sixteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Pohl et al., 2016), twelve of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	Wagner et al. (2001) lists the habitats of this species as barrens, woodlands, and forests. North Carolina records come from barrier islands, peatlands, bottomland forests, mesic hardwood slopes, and ...	Larvae have been reared on birch (Betula) and Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) but probably feed on a wider range of woody plants (Wagner et al., 2001). There are also BugGuide records for...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]	...
Crambus laqueatellus Eastern Grass-veneer MONA_number: 5378.00	The genus Crambus includes around 155 species that are distributed globally. Some of the species are significant pests that can cause damage to agricultural crops, lawns and rangelands. This is one of 41 species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Pohl and Nanz, 2023), and one of fifteen species that occur in North Carolina.	The following is in part based on the description by Fernald (1896). The thorax, head and palps are brown, with the latter whitish beneath. The forewing is yellowish-brown with two silvery-white strea...	Local populations are typically found in grassy habitats such as parks, permanent pastures and meadows. Ainslie (1922) reported that populations are commonly found on rolling, well-drained, and someti...	The host plants are poorly documented. Fernald (1896) reported that the larvae feed on grass, but did not provide any specifics. Ainslie (1922) noted that several of the claims that this species cause...	The adults are attracted to lights and can be flushed from grassy areas during the day. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
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 c...	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 Lo...	The larvae are polyphagous on woody shrubs and trees (Wagner, 2005). In North Carolina, they have been recorded feeding on Box-elder (Acer negundo), Sweet Birch (Betula lenta), hickory (...	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 reco...	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...
Corticivora clarki None MONA_number: 3446.00	This is one of three congeneric species that are found in North America north of Mexico (Brown, 1994).	The following is based in part on the description by Clarke (1951). The head and palps vary from creamy white to dull white and the antenna is dark grayish fuscous with paler annulations. The thorax a...	Local populations are generally associated with pine or mixed pine-hardwood forests. ...	Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) is the only known host (Clarke, 1951), but other pines are likely used in North Carolina. ...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	...