Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Phyllonorycter crataegella Apple Blotch Leafminer MONA_number: 746.00	Phyllonorycter is a genus of small and often colorful moths, with 79 described species in North America. The larvae of most form underside tentiform mines on woody plants and pupate within the mines.	The following is based on the description by Braun (1908). The antenna is dark silvery gray, and the face and labial palp silvery. The tuft is dark brown and mixed with whitish scales. The thorax and ...	This species is found in hardwood forests with Black Cherry or native host plants in the Rosaceae, as well as apple orchards. ...	The larvae are polyphagous on members of the Rosaceae, including commercial apples and ornamental crab-apples (Maier, 1985; Maier and Davis, 1989; Landry and Wagner, 1995). Genera that are used as hos...	The adults occasionally come to lights, but many records are from reared adults. In North Carolina, the mines of this species are often found on the undersides of Black Cherry....		GNR S2S4	As of 2021, we currently have only a few records based on reared adults. More information is needed on the distribution and abundance of this species before we can assess its conservation status. ...
Parornix preciosella MONA_number: 680.00	The genus Parornix contains around 70 species of small moths that are mostly found in north temperate regions. They are well represented in North America, but many are difficult to distinguish on external morphology and require the examination of genitalia. The last major taxonomic treatment was by Dietz (1907). There are several undescribed species that are known, and a modern taxonomic treatment is needed.	This is a distinctively marked Parornix with five costal streaks and three dorsal streaks on a dark brown ground. The following detailed description is based on that of Dietz (1907). The labia...	The preferred habitats are poorly documented, but are likely acidic woods that support blueberries. Blueberries appear to be the primary hosts in North Carolina. They can be found in a variety of habi...	The known hosts include both blueberries (Vaccinium) and Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana). The specific hosts include Lowbush Blueberry (V. angustifolium), Northern Highbush Blueb...	The adults are attracted to lights. We have much to learn about the larval ecology, and recommend searching for mines on blueberries or other hosts and rearing the adults. ...		GNR S3S4	This species appears to be at the southern limit of its range and is uncommon in the state, with only a few records as of 2024. Additional information is needed on its distribution and abundance befor...
Sunira bicolorago Bicolored Sallow MONA_number: 9957.00	A genus of three North American species, one of which has been taken in North Carolina. There are scattered eastern records for S. verberata, a western species, which resembles S. bicolorago but has a pronounced, darkened reniform spot.	Adults are usually easy to recognize by color, size and time of flight. However, the species can be quite variable and its flight period overlaps briefly with Anathix ralla, which is similar in size ...	Our records come primarily from hardwood-dominated forests, ranging from floodplains and lakeshores, to mesic slopes and dry summits. Almost none come from Longleaf Pine habitats, except where located...	Although the larvae have been found on many plants, red maple is a favorite. In the early spring look for young larvae on emerging red maple buds. Older larvae are very difficult to locate and are k...	Adults swarm to bait and are also attracted to light....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 [S5]	This species is widespread in North Carolina, occupies an extensive range of habitats, and feeds on common and/or ubiquitous host plants; it appears to be quite secure within the state....
Cutina distincta Distinguished Cutina MONA_number: 8729.00	One of four species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010). All are restricted to the southeastern United States and have been recorded in North Carolina (Pogue and Ferguson, 1998).	A medium-small, contrastingly marked, Erebid. The basal area is strongly marked with black, as is the the metanotum; blackish patches are also located in the subterminal area below the costa and along...	Most of our records come from riverine swamp forests, but we also have a few from non-riverine and tidal swamp forests and at least one from a pond cypress savanna...	Larvae have been found on Bald Cypress but at least a few records come from sites where Pond Cypress is the most likely host plant....	Comes well to blacklights; we have no records from bait...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 [S4]	This species is a strong host plant and habitat specialist, but on species and habitats that are still widespread in at least the outer third of the state. Several threats exist, however, including se...
Cutina arcuata Arcuate Cutina MONA_number: 8729.20	One of four species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010). All are restricted to the southeastern United States and have been recorded in North Carolina (Pogue and Ferguson, 1998).	A medium-small, mottled brown, black and white Erebid. The ground color of the forewing is brown but heavily marked with black streaks or bands in the antemedian, median, and subterminal spaces. The ...	All of our records for this species come from riverine swamps or lakeshores; none come from pond cypress savannas...	Possibly monophagous on Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum). While Pond Cypress may also be used, we have no records from sites where that is the most likely choice....	Appears to come well to blacklights; we have no records from bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	[GNR] [S3S4]	This species is a strong host plant and habitat specialist, but on species and habitats that are still widespread in at least the outer third of the state. Several threats exist, however, including se...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Cutina aluticolor Brown Cutina MONA_number: 8729.10	One of four species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010). All are restricted to the southeastern United States and have been recorded in North Carolina (Pogue and Ferguson, 1998).	A medium-small, light brown Erebid. The ground color of the forewings is a fairly uniform light brown. Although Pogue and Ferguson (1998) state that both the basal and antemedian lines are absent, th...	Our records for this species come from riverine or lakeshore swamps. None come from non-riverine swamps or pond cypress savannas. ...	Stenophagous, feeding on Taxodium species, probably mainly on Bald Cypress (T. distichum)....	Comes well to blacklights; none of our records come from bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S4]	This species is a strong host plant and habitat specialist, but on species and habitats that are still widespread in at least the outer third of the state. Several threats exist, however, including se...
Cutina albopunctella White-spotted Cutina MONA_number: 8728.00	One of four species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010). All are restricted to the southeastern United States and have been recorded in North Carolina (Pogue and Ferguson, 1998).	A medium-small, relatively unmarked, grayish-brown Erebid. The ground color of the forewings is light brown, dusted with gray; in northern populations, such as ours, the wings are fairly uniformly col...	We have records from the middle of deeply flooded swamps as well as seasonally dry pond cypress savannas....	Stenophagous, probably feeding on both species of cypress (Taxodium)....	Appears to come well to blacklights; we have no records from bait. Larvae can be found by beating the foliage of their host plants (Wagner et al., 2011)....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	[GNR] S4	This species is a strong host plant and habitat specialist, but on species and habitats that are still widespread in at least the outer third of the state. Several threats exist, however, including se...
Cucullia florea Gray-hooded-Owlet Moth MONA_number: 10197.00		...	...	Reported hosts include goldenrod (Solidago), Grass-leaved Flat-top Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), Common Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), Annual Fleabane (Erigeron annuus	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Cucullia convexipennis Brown-hooded Owlet Moth MONA_number: 10202.00		...	...	Larvae feed on goldenrod and asters (McCabe, 1991; Wagner, 2005). In North Carolina, larvae have been observed feeding on both goldenrod (Solidago), including Tall Goldenrod (S. altissima	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Cucullia asteroides Asteroid Moth MONA_number: 10200.00		...	...	Larvae feed on goldenrod (Solidago) and aster (Symphyotrichum) (Wagner, 2005)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Cucullia alfarata Camphorweed Owlet Moth MONA_number: 10192.00		...	...	Reported hosts include aster (Symphyotrichum), golden-aster (Chrysopsis and Heterotheca), and horseweed (Erigeron) (Wagner, 2005; BugGuide). In North Carolina, larvae have ...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Ctenoplusia oxygramma Sharp-stigma Looper MONA_number: 8889.00	The only member of its genus found in the New World (Lafontaine and Poole, 1991).	A medium-sized, dull, dark gray Looper with a constrastingly pale, elongated stigma. Lines and markings are obscure but the long, knife-shaped stigma, joined at the base by the trapezoidal orbicular, ...	Our records come from a variety of open habitats from across the state, including herbaceous openings in the Mountains to maritime dunes on the barrier islands...	Larvae are polyphagous on herbaceous plants. Crumb (1956) lists asters, goldenrod, horseweed, and tobacco (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, we have reared it from goldenrod....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S4S5	...
Crocigrapha normani Norman's Quaker Moth MONA_number: 10501.00	This genus may be close to some of the western species in Egira but contains a single species found mostly in the eastern half of North American and in North Carolina.	Pattern fairly distinct and unlikely to be confused with other species when fresh. Worn specimens possibly confused with species of Orthosia. Sexes are similar....	Our records all come from hardwood habitats, ranging from northern hardwood forests in the High Mountains to brownwater river bottomlands in the Coastal Plain. We have no records, however, from Peatl...	Larvae apparently feed on most woody plants, including pines as well as a wide range of hardwoods (Wagner et al., 2011). Wagner (2005) specifically lists apple (Malus), ash (Fraxinus), b...	Comes well to blacklights, sometimes in fairly large numbers. Also known to frequent bait but more rarely....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S4]	We have relatively few records for this species, probably mainly due to its early spring flight. However, it appears to occur in a wide range of hardwood forest habitats and uses an extensive range of...
Crocidosema plebejana MONA_number: 3274.00		...	...	Larvae are polyphagous, with reported hosts including cotton, corn, wheat, hawthorn, and mallow (Gilligan & Epstein, 2014)....	...			...
Cremastobombycia solidaginis MONA_number: 723.00	The genus Cremastobombycia contains seven described species in North American, with at least seven undescribed species that are mostly in the western US (Eiseman, 2017).	The following is based on the description by Braun (1908). The antenna is grayish and distinctly annulated with dark brown. The face and palps are yellowish white, while the tuft is brownish ocherous ...	Local populations are dependent on goldenrods as hosts, particularly species that thrive in open, sunny habitats such as roadways, fence lines, open woods, old fields and infrequently mowed meadows. ...	Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) are the primary hosts, but Eiseman (2019) noted one instance of the larvae using an aster (Symphyotrichum sp.). As of 2024, all of our leaf mine records are fr...	The adults occasionally visit lights, but most of our records are based on leaf mines or adults that were reared from mines. ...	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 adequate information on the distribution and abundance of this species in North Carolina to assess its conservation status. ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Cremastobombycia ignota MONA_number: 722.00		The following description of the adults is based primarily on Braun (1908). The antenna is brownish gray with darker annulations. The head tuft is reddish saffron and intermixed with white. The ground...	...	Cremastobombycia ignota feeds on several members of the Asteraceae. The most common hosts appear to be species of Verbesina, including V. alternifolia, V. occidentalis, and...	The adults appear to rarely visit lights, and are best obtained by rearing them from mines. The mines are rather conspicuous on Verbesina; we recommend searching for them during the summer months. ...			As of 2020, we have only a few records for this species in the state, and all are based on leaf mines or adults raised from mines. The species is probably locally common and widespread in North Caroli...
Crambodes talidiformis Verbena Moth MONA_number: 9661.00		...	Wagner et al. (2011) list open areas as habitats used by this species, including fields, beaches, waste lots, sand plains, and wetlands. Our records come almost entirely from the Mountains, with most ...	Larvae feed on Vervains (Verbena species) (Wagner et al., 2011)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S3S4	...
Crambidia xanthocorpa MONA_number: 8053.10	One of eleven named species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), of which six been recorded in North Carolina (several others are still undescribed)	...	...	Hosts are apparently undocumented....	...			...
Crambidia new species (minute) MONA_number: 8045.20		...	...	Hosts are apparently unknown....	...			...
Costaconvexa centrostrigaria Bent-line Carpet Moth MONA_number: 7416.00		A medium sized Wave with sexually dimorphic wing markings. Males have a pale grayish or brownish median band bounded on the basal side with a chocolate brown area that extends to the antemedian. A si...	We have records from essentially the entire spectrum of forested and open habitats in North Carolina, from maritime dunes to Spruce-Fir forests....	Polyphagous, feeding on many species of forbs. Forbes (1948) lists Polygonum. Covell (1984) adds Smartweed (Persicaria sp.)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S5	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Cossula magnifica Pecan Carpenterworm Moth MONA_number: 2674.00	A resident of the southeastern U.S., this is the sole representative of the genus in North America.	Distinctive. The basal three-quarters of the forewing is powdery-gray (lightest subterminally) with fine black striations, heaviest at the base. The end of the forewing bears a creamy-brown elliptical...	North Carolina records for this species come from a wide range of woody habitats, including maritime forest and scrub, xeric Carolina bay rims and sandhills, mesic hardwood slopes and ridges, reservoi...	Larvae are borers in oaks and hickories, including Live Oak (Bailey, 1892). Pecan and Persimmon have also been specifically as hosts used by this species (Covell, 1984), as have Southern Red Oak and C...	Attracted to lights but since the mouthparts of the adults are rudimentary, they do not feed and consequently do not come to bait or visit flowers....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it in state parks and on other public lands.	G5 [S4]	Uncommon to locally common in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont but apparently rare in or absent from the Mountains....
Cosmosoma myrodora Scarlet-bodied Wasp Moth MONA_number: 8280.00	One of three species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010) and the only one recorded in our area	Striking and unmistakable, at least if recognized as a moth rather than a wasp. The legs, thorax, and anterior half of the abdomen are a bright scarlet, with the head and the posterior portion of the...	Found once at Jockeys Ridge State Park, where Climbing Hempweed is known to occur (NRID, 2014)....	Monophagous, feeding on Climbing Hempweed (Mikania scandens) (Covell, 1984; Wagner, 2005)....	Diurnally active, feeding on flowers; not known how well it comes to light or bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	[G5SU]	Although apparently very rare in the state, the residency status of this species in North Carolina needs to be established before its conservation needs can be assessed. ...
Cosmopterix thelxinoe MONA_number: 1498.10	Cosmopterix is a very large genus of small, colorful moths that are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are 31 species that are currently recognized in North America, and all are leafminers.	The following description focuses on forewing and antenna patterning, and is based on a more detailed description presented by Koster (2010). The vertex and dorsal area of the thoracic region have two...	unknown....	Host plants are apparently unknown....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Cosmopterix montisella MONA_number: 1476.00		...	...	Host plants are apparently unknown....	...			...
Cosmopterix lespedezae MONA_number: 1482.00		Cosmopterix lespedezae closely resembles several other Cosmopterix species (e.g., C. teligera) and cannot be identified with certainty using external characters (Koster, 2010). Ac...	Populations are primary associated with early successional or open woodland habitats that support the host species. ...	The hosts are poorly documented, but include several genera of legumes, including Lespedeza and Desmodium (Eiseman, 2022). ...	We recommend searching for the rather distinctive leaf mines and rearing the adults. ...		GNR S2S4	This species was only recently discovered in North Carolina and we currently do not have sufficient information to determine its conservation status. ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Cosmopterix clandestinella MONA_number: 1475.00	Cosmopterix is a very large genus of small, colorful moths that are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are 31 species that are currently recognized in North America, and all are leafminers.	The following description focuses on forewing and antenna patterning, and is based on a more detailed description presented by Koster (2010). The head and thorax lack the white, median lines that are ...	Local populations are most likely to be encountered in shaded to partially shaded woods, and along ditches and low areas where the host species occurs. ...	Larvae feed on witchgrass (Dichanthelium sp.). As of 2024, we have records for Bosc's Witchgrass (D. boscii), Deer-tongue Witchgrass (D. clandestinum), and Many-flowered Witchgras...	The adults occasionally visit lights. We recommend searching Dichanthelium leaves for the mines and rearing the adults. The mines should be evident by late April or May, and again later in the ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S1S3	...
Cosmia calami American Dun-bar Moth MONA_number: 9815.00	The genus consists of some 31 species, of which 23 are European, 4 African and 4 from North America. One species reaches North Carolina and is found throughout the state. The genus is subdivided into two subgenera based on the form of the female genitalia. Our species belong to the subgenus Calymnia which has highly modified anal papillae and was recently reviewed (Lafontaine and Troubridge, 2003).	Our species is smallish, about the size of many Lacinipolia species, with rounded and somewhat blunted forewings. The maculation is highly variable from a uniform pale yellow to a highly spotted orang...	Our records are predominantly from upland hardwood forests or from mixed stands where at least some hardwoods -- particularly oaks - are present. These range from mesic to dry, but we have no records ...	Larvae are associated with oaks. They are famous for voraciously feeding on other caterpillars but can be reared on foliage alone. Reported hosts include White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Northern Red Oak, and ...	Adults respond to light but their response to bait or flowers seems to be unknown....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 [S4S5]	This species presents a wonderful opportunity for additional study. Why are the female genitalia so modified - is it related to egg laying? Why do the caterpillars prey on other caterpillars? With but...
Condica sutor Cobbler Moth MONA_number: 9699.00		The ground color is dull fuscous with a reddish tint (Forbes, 1954); in our specimens, a sprinkling of white scales is present at least in fresh specimens. The markings are all dull and non-contrastin...	...	Larvae feed on several species of composites, including Parthenium, ragweed, and sunflowers (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, they have been recorded on Wingstem (Verbesina alternifo...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S5	...
Coptotriche zelleriella MONA_number: 143.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	The following is from Braun's (1972) description of adults based on studies of 95 specimens from throughout the range of the species. The face is whitish ocherous, while the scales of the vertex and c...	This species uses oaks and chestnuts as hosts and is restricted to habitats with the host species. ...	The larvae are miners in leaves of American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) and several species of oaks, including White Oak (Quercus alba), Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor), Post Oak (	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	...
Symmetrischema striatella MONA_number: 2039.00		The following is based on the description by (Murtfeldt, 1900). The antenna is about three-fourths the wing length and pale with dark brown annulations. The second and third joints of the labial palp ...	Eastern Black Nightshade is probably the most commonly used host in North Carolina. It grows in sunny or partially shaded habitats that are often disturbed. Examples include woodland borders, powerlin...	The larvae feed internally on the berries of nightshades (Robinson et al., 2010). Species that are used include American Black Nightshade (Solanum americanum) and European Black Nightshade (...	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found on nightshade fruits. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S2S3]	As of 2024, we have < 10 site records for the state. We need more information on the distribution and abundance of this species before we can assess its conservation status. ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Spodoptera frugiperda Fall Armyworm Moth MONA_number: 9666.00		...	Habitats include old fields, croplands, and waste places (Wagner et al., 2011). Our records also come from open, natural habitats, including maritime dunes, coastal savannas, marshes, sandhill seeps, ...	Larvae are polyphagous on herbaceous plants, including both graminoids and forbs, and at least some woody species; a number of crop species are used (Wagner et al., 2011)...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S5	...
Augolychna septemstrigella MONA_number: 281.00	Augolychna is a monotypic genus with a single described species that occurs in the eastern US.	This is a very distinctively marked tineid that is boldly marked with black, white, and straw-colored patterning. The head tuft is creamy-white and contrasts sharply with the black thorax and forewing...	The habitat requirements are poorly documented, but at least some of the known specimens were taken in residential neighborhoods. ...	The hosts (if any) have not been reported. ...	The adults appear to occasionally visit lights....		GNR[S1S2]	This appears to be a rare species, with fewer than 10 sites records from the eastern US since it was described in 1878, and only two from North Carolina as of 2024....
Coleophora kalmiella MONA_number: 1273.00	Coleophora kalmiella specializes on species of Kalmia. Eiseman (2021) suspected that there may be two species that are miners of Kalmia, with one an undescribed species. Here, we treat this species as being a member of the North Carolina fauna with the understanding that it may be a member of an unresolved species complex.	An adult that was reared by Eiseman (2021) from Kalmia angustifolia was uniformly light brown, with brown and white annulations on the antennae. Other adults that he reared from K. latifolia...	Local populations are generally associated with Kalmia thickets. ...	The larvae specialize on Kalmia species (Eiseman, 2022). The only known hosts are Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) and Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). As of 2023, we have a ...	The adults resemble several other Coleophora species and cannot be reliably identified from images unless they are reared. We recommend searching Mountain Laurel for the mines and larvae. ...		GNR SU	As of 2023 we have a single record from the Piedmont. Additional information is needed on the distribution and abundance of this species in North Carolina before we can assess its conservation status....
Condica mobilis Mobile Groundling Moth MONA_number: 9693.00		...	Our records from the Coastal Plain come primarily from open habitats, including dune grasslands on the barrier islands and Longleaf Pine-dominated woodlands further inland. Piedmont records come mainl...	Larvae feed on Bidens (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, they have been found on Bearded Beggarticks (B. aristosa)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S5	...
Papaipema impecuniosa Aster Borer MONA_number: 9473.00	One of 44 species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 30 of which have been recorded in North Carolina	The ground color is mainly orange-red and heavily dusted with crimson or brown, with the basal and medial areas concolorous (Forbes, 1954). The spots are deep yellow, somewhat dusted with red. The orb...	Our records come from wet-to-mesic habitats, mainly from open areas or edges but some from mesic hardwood forests...	Larvae feed on members of the Asteraceae, including Asters and Sneezeweed (Wagner et al., 2011)...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SU	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Marathyssa pulcherrimus Beautiful Eutelia Moth MONA_number: 8968.00		...	...	Larvae feed on Rhus and Toxicodendron (Robinson et al., 2010)...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 S3S4	...
Paonias astylus Huckleberry Sphinx MONA_number: 7826.00	A Holarctic genus of 4 species of which 3 occur in North America and North Carolina. Two are among our most common species.	With narrow forewings that cover only the eyespot on the hindwings when at rest, leaving the outer margin of the hindwing projecting forward, this is clearly a Paonias species. The relatively ...	Our records come from a wide variety of heath-containing habitats. These include Wet Pine Flatwoods, Pocosins, and dry-to-xeric Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhills in the Coastal Plain; dry Pine-Oak-Heath habit...	Stenophagous. Feeds on Blueberries (Vaccinium) and Huckleberries (Gaylussacia) both in the Ericaceae. Larvae have not been found in North Carolina so we do not know which species of blu...	Like other members of the genus adults of this species are attracted to lights but have not been recorded visiting flowers nor coming to baits....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4G5 [S4]	Once considered to be quite rare, this species is taken in light traps with regularity each year. Although a specialist on heath-containing habitats, it is not restricted with regard to moisture regim...
Agrotis venerabilis Venerable Dart Moth MONA_number: 10651.00	One of twenty-three species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), seven of which have been recorded in North Carolina	A typical Dart, with a strong, elongated claviform spot that is strongly outlined with black and filled with gray; this spot is separated by the antemedian line from a thin basal dash (Forbes, 1954). ...	...	Larvae are reported to be polyphagous, feeding on a variety of plants, including several of agricultural importance. Among the hosts listed by Pogue (2006) are alfalfa, barley, chickweed, corn, and to...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Lampronia russatella MONA_number: 175.00		This is a distinctively marked species with a purplish-brown forewing that is overlain with pale yellow marks. The head tuft is straw-colored and the antenna is purplish-brown with pale yellow annulat...	Local populations are typically found in rich, mesic hardwood forests. ...	As of 2024, the only documented host is Twoleaf Miterwort (Mitella diphylla)....	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found mining the leaves of miterworts. ...		GNR[S1S2]	This is a seemly rare species that appears to reach its southern limit in the southern Appalachian Mountains. As of 2024, we have only two site records from Buncombe County. ...
Coptotriche aenea Blackberry Leafminer Moth MONA_number: 149.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	The following is from Braun's (1972) description of adults based on studies of 59 specimens from throughout the range of the species. The face is white with a slight metallic luster, and the head is b...	...	The larvae mine the leaves of several species of Rubus, including Allegheny Blackberry (R. allegheniensis), Northern Dewberry (R. flagellaris), Pennsylvania Blackberry (Rubus p...	...		GNR S2S3	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Coptotriche agrimoniella MONA_number: 148.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	This is a tiny and rather drab moth that has a white face and a dark brown head and thorax. The forewing and cilia are also dark brown. Braun (1972) noted that the forewing has lustrous, dark bronzy c...	Local populations are generally found in forested settings that support the host plants. They are most commonly found in bottomland hardwoods or mesic, rich woods....	The larvae mine the leaflets of Agrimonia species (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2022). The reported hosts include Tall Hairy Agrimony (A. gryposepala), Swamp Agrimony (A. parviflora) and...	This species is most easily documented by searching for the mines on Agrimonia species. We recommend rearing the adults. ...			This species was only recent discovered in North Carolina where it may have been overlooked for years. ...
Coptotriche crataegifoliae MONA_number: 146.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	This is one of several confusing Coptotriche that feed on members of the Rosaceae and that have dark-colored wings that are unmarked. The following description is based on that of Braun (1972)....	Local populations are generally associated with woodlands, woodland borders, and other habitats that support hawthorns and serviceberry. ...	The larvae primarily feed on several species of hawthorns (Crataegus spp.; Braun 1972; Eiseman, 2022), but have also been observed using Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea; Microlep...	This species is best documented by rearing adults from the host plants. ...		GNR [S1S3]	This appears to be a relatively rare species, but it likely has been under-collected in North Carolina. ...
Coptotriche castaneaeella MONA_number: 140.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish fore wings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish fore wings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	The following is from Braun's (1972) description based on studies of 29 specimens from throughout the range of the species. The face varies from whitish ocherous to pale straw-colored. The scales of t...	This species utilizes oaks and American Chestnut during the larval stage and is restricted to habitats with the host species. It presumably uses a variety of habitats with these species such as mixed ...	The larvae of C. castaneaeella mine the leaves of oak species and American Chestnut (Castanea dentata). The known oak hosts include Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor), White Oak (Que...	Direct searches for the leaf mines with their distinctive concentric crescent marks is the best way to document local populations. Since C. castaneaeella appears to rarely visit lights -- and...		GNR S2S4	...
Coptotriche fuscomarginella MONA_number: 139.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	The following is from Braun's (1972) description based on studies of 15 specimens from throughout the range of the species. The face, the forward projecting scales of the tuft, and the antennal scape...	This species is dependent on chestnuts and oaks for reproduction and is presumably restricted to forests or successional habitats with oaks or chestnuts. ...	The larvae mine the leaves of chestnuts and oaks. Braun (1972) reared Kentucky specimens from American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana) and Chinquapin Oak (...	Coptotriche fuscomarginella appears to be uncommon in North Carolina. Direct searches for the mines beginning in late spring or early summer may be the best way to document local populations. ...		[GNR] S1S3	...
Coptotriche purinosella MONA_number: 135.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	This is a distinctive Coptotriche that has whitish forewings with concentrations of purplish-brown to blackish scales on the apex, costa, inner margin and tornus. The detailed description that ...	Local populations are associated with hardwood forests, woodlots, fence lines and residential neighborhoods, particularly where White Oak is present. ...	The larvae mine the leaves of oaks, particularly members of the white oak group (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2022). The reported hosts include White Oak (Quercus alba), Burr Oak (Q. macrocarpa...	The adults are attracted to lights and have been obtained by rearing larvae from mines in White Oak. ...		GNR S1S3	Coptotriche purinosella appears to be a somewhat rare species in North Carolina despite the fact that the primary host tree (White Oak) is common and widespread in the state. More information i...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Coptotriche badiiella MONA_number: 129.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish forewings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts, while members of the second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish forewings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	The following is from Braun's (1972) description based on studies of 164 specimens from throughout the range of the species. The face and antennal scape are either white or faintly tinged with ocherou...	This species relies heavily on White Oak and presumably is restricted to habitats with the host species, including urban landscapes and hardwood and mixed hardwood-pine forests. ...	Records of mines -- or adults reared from mines -- are almost always from White Oak (Quercus alba), which is common throughout the state. Braun (1972) reported the use of Pin Oak (Q. palust...	Most of the specimens in collections are from individuals that were reared from White Oak, suggesting that the adults rarely visit lights. We recommend searching for mines and rearing adults after th...		GNR S2S4	We do not have sufficient data on the distribution and abundance of this species to assess its conservation status. It appeared to be rare in North Carolina, but recent searches for leaf mines have yi...
Coptotriche citrinipennella MONA_number: 126.00	Coptotriche is a genus of specialized leafminers that currently consists of 27 recognized Nearctic species. Most species fall within one of two major groups. Members of the first group typically have orangish to yellowish fore wings (rarely white) and specialize on oaks and chestnuts. Members of a second group have dark gray, brown, or blackish fore wings and mostly feed on members of the Rosaceae (Braun, 1972; Eiseman, 2019).	The following is from Braun's (1972) description based on observations of 160 specimens from throughout the range of the species. The face is yellow and the scales of the tuft darken towards the tips....	Populations appear to be widely distributed is North Carolina in forested habitats with oaks. ...	This species primarily uses members of the red oak group as hosts, but also uses American Chestnut (Castanea dentata). Eiseman (2019) lists the following hosts: White Oak (Q. alba), Scar...	The adults are attracted to UV lights. Direct searches for the highly elongated leaf mines with folded leaf edges would likely yield many new locality records. Ideally, adults should be reared to veri...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	...
Anacampsis agrimoniella MONA_number: 2230.00		This is an easily recognized species that has a grayish to blackish-gray forewing with a single, complete, white post-median band. The head and thorax are medium gray, and the palps dull orangish. The...	Local populations are generally associated with mesic to wet deciduous forests with rich soils, particularly where there are forest openings or edge habitat. They can be found in bottomland forests al...	Larvae feed on species of agrimony (Agrimonia spp.; Robinson et al., 2010). The reported hosts include Medicinal Agrimony (A. eupatoria), an exotic species and Tall Hairy Agrimony (A....	The adults are attracted to lights and commonly rest during the day on the upper surfaces of low vegetation. The larvae can be found on the rolled leaves of Swamp Agrimony....		GNR [S3S4]	This species can be locally common where the hosts are present. ...
Leucanthiza amphicarpeaefoliella MONA_number: 700.00	This is a small genus with only two described species in North America.	The adults are easily identified by their bold orange, black, and metallic silvery patterning on the forewings, in combination with the dark antennae with white tips. The ground color of the forewing ...	The host plant is mostly found in forests or along forest edges with moist soils. It can also tolerate fairly dry conditions (Weakley, 2015)....	This species is a specialist on American Hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata)....	Searching for the presence of leaf mines on Amphicarpaea may be the best way to document local populations. Adults also are attracted to blacklights. The leaf mines are sometimes secondarily co...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	The host plant, American Hog-peanut, is listed as S5 and occupies a fairly wide range of habitats from the Blue Ridge eastward across the Piedmont. Leucanthiza amphicarpeaefoliella is often lo...
Stigmella sclerostylota MONA_number: 91.10	Members of the genus Stigmella are a group of small leaf-mining moths that typically create linear mines, although a few species form linear-blotch or blotch mines. Newton and Wilkinson (1982) recognized 51 species in their revision on the North American fauna, and new discoveries have since raised the total to around 57 species. Almost all species are specialists and rarely use more than one genus of host plants. Host-specificity, mine characteristics, and genitalic differences are helpful in recognizing closely related forms that are externally similar.	Stigmella sclerostylota is a tiny and rather nondescript species with a uniformly dark-brown forewing and a white collar. The following description of the adults is from Newton and Wilkinson (1...	Stigmella sclerostylota specializes on oaks, but there are very few locality records and much to learn about its habitat requirements. ...	The reported hosts include White Oak (Quercus alba), Water Oak (Q. nigra), Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra) and possibly Black Oak (Q. velutina; Eiseman, 2022). As of 2024, we h...	The adults appear to only occasionally visit lights. We recommend searching for mines and rearing the adults. Adult identification generally requires DNA barcoding or the examination on genitalia. ...		GNR S2S3	This species appears to be uncommon based on the scarcity of records in the eastern US. We currently do not have sufficient information on its distribution and abundance in North Carolina to assess i...