Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Zale lunifera Bold-based Zale MONA_number: 8713.00	One of 39 species in this genus that occur north of Mexico, 23 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Zale lunifera was recently separated from Z. intenta, a close sibling species, by Schmidt (2010).	An umber to blackish, spring-flying Zale, distinguished by its heavy vertical to oblique striations. A small basal area of light brown is usually present, followed by a blackish antemedial area bounded by a heavy, black, antemedian line that bent at an angle just below the middle; this is typically one of the strongest markings on the forewing and is often followed by a strongly contrasting pale brown to white shade. A dark subterminal patch is also often present. The orbicular spot is small and dark and the reniform is larger, paler, and forms a narrow vertical crescent. The postmedian line is black, narrow, and undulating on the forewing. On the hindwing, it runs fairly straight except at it upper and lower ends. The subterminal line runs parallel to the postmedian but is distinctly separated from it.	In the Northeast, Zale lunifera is believed to be highly confined to sandy barrens located close to the coast, where they are associated with populations of Scrub Oak; all other records are assumed to represent Z. intenta. In North Carolina, however, several species that feed on Scrub Oak up north feed on other xeric oaks, including Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis) and Blackjack Oak (Q. marilandica). Those that feed on Blackjack in particular often occur outside the Coastal Plain, including well up into the Mountains (e.g., Hemileuca maia, Hyparpax aurora, and Morrisonia mucens). It seems unsafe to simply assume, therefore, that the same pattern observed for Z. lunifera in the Northeast will be the same down here. Conversely, since Black Cherry can occur in even some of the driest habitats in the state, it is also not safe to assume that all records for this complex coming from xeric sandhills represent Z. lunifera. We are currently waiting to see how well bar-coded specimens sort out by habitat.	Larvae are stenophagous, reported to feed on Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) in the Northeast and on Blackjack Oak (Q. marilandica) and other scrub oaks in the South (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, J.B. Sullivan reared a larva from Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata).	Uncertain	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G3G4 SNR [S2S3]	Too little is currently known about the distribution, population sizes and trends, and habitat associations to estimate the conservation status of this species.
Spiloloma lunilinea Moon-lined Moth MONA_number: 8769.00			Our records come primarily from woodland edges.	Larvae are monophagous on Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) (Wagner et al., 2011), which has been confirmed as the host in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S4]
Metria amella Live Oak Metria MONA_number: 8666.00			The majority of our records come from barrier islands, where Live Oak, Sand Live Oak, and Darlington Oak are present. We also have records from Coastal Fringe Sandhills on the adjoining areas on the mainland but none from xeric Carolina Bay Rims or the Fall-line Sandhills where Turkey Oaks prevail.	Wagner et al. (2011) list Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) and Turkey Oak (Q. laevis) as host plants. However, all of our records come from habitats where Live Oak is present to dominant and we have no records from the Sandhills in habitats where Turkey Oak is the dominant species. Research is needed to determine the hosts used in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Parallelia bistriaris Maple Looper Moth MONA_number: 8727.00			North Carolina records come from forested habitats across the state, from swamps to mountain ridges.	Larvae feed on maples, particularly Red Maple (Acer rubrum); reports from other hosts are questionable (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, we have feeding records from Red Maple and Sugar Maple (A. saccharum).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]
Allotria elonympha False Underwing MONA_number: 8721.00			Found across the range of Nyssa species, including swamp forests and blackwater riparian forests in the Coastal Plain and dry ridges in the Piedmont and Mountains.	Larvae feed on tupelo (Nyssa) species (Wagner et al., 2011). Covell (1984) also lists hickory (Carya) and walnut (Juglans). David George has documented a larva believed to be this species feeding on Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) in Durham County.		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
Lacosoma chiridota Scalloped Sack-bearer Moth MONA_number: 7659.00			Our records come from a wide variety of oak-containing habitats, ranging from maritime forests to bottomland forests to mafic barrens and woodland to dry ridges. Records from high elevation forests are missing, however, and we have relatively few from xeric sand ridges.	Larvae reportedly feed on oaks, including White Oak (Quercus alba), Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), Bear Oak (Q. ilicifolia), Pin Oak (Q. palustris), Black Oak (Q. velutina), and Live Oak (Q. virginiana). We have one feeding record in North Carolina from Sand Post Oak (Q.margaretiae).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]
Argyrostrotis anilis Short-lined Chocolate Moth MONA_number: 8764.00	One of six species in this genus, all of which occur in central and eastern North America, including North Carolina (Sullivan and Lafontaine, 2011).		Our records come from woodlands and edges.	Larvae feed on plums (Prunus), crabapples (Malus), and hawthorns (Crataegus) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Argyrostrotis flavistriaria Yellow-lined Chocolate Moth MONA_number: 8759.00	One of six species in this genus, all of which occur in central and eastern North America, including North Carolina (Sullivan and Lafontaine, 2011).		Our records for this species come from a wide range of Coastal Plain wetlands, including Pocosin and Pond Pine Woodlands, Longleaf Pine Savannas and Flatwoods, Non-riverine Swamp Forests, Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamps, Streamhead Pocosins and Swamp Forests, and shrubby shorelines around depression ponds and beaver impoundments on blackwater streams.	Larvae feed on Titi (Cyrilla racemiflora) (Wagner et al., 2011), which has been confirmed as the host in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	[GNR] SNR [S4S5]
Argyrostrotis erasa Erasa Chocolate Moth MONA_number: 8761.00	One of six species in this genus, all of which occur in central and eastern North America, including North Carolina (Sullivan and Lafontaine, 2011).	The ground color is chocolate to umber brown. The antemedial and postmedial lines are usually evident and darker brown. The antemdial line is usually scalloped and the postmedial is strongly dentate. A dark orbicular mark may also be present. The subterminal area is usually more darkly shaded, often with a reddish caste. The fringe in fresh specimens is pure white and conspicuous but may not be noticeable in worn specimens. The hindwings are brown or somewtimes bronzy. Argyrostrotus deleta is similar but smaller. It has a less dentate postemdial line and has a grayish fringe or, if white, then much narrower than in erasa.	Our records for this species come from a wide range of Coastal Plain wetlands, including Pocosin and Pond Pine Woodlands, Longleaf Pine Savannas and Flatwoods, Non-riverine Swamp Forests, Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamps, Streamhead Pocosins and Swamp Forests, and shrubby shorelines around depression ponds and beaver impoundments on blackwater streams.	Larvae have been recorded on Titi (Cyrilla racemiflora) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	This species is often flushed during the day in coastal savanna habitats or along the edges of pocosins. Comes well to blacklights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S4]
Celiptera frustulum Black Bit Moth MONA_number: 8747.00			Records from the Blue Ridge and Piedmont come from both forests and semi-open and disturbed sites where Black Locust and other legumes can be expected to occur. Records from the Coastal Plain come from sand ridges and wooded uplands where dwarf locusts are likely to be present. A few records, however, come from floodplains where larvae may be using other species of legumes.	Larvae have been reared on Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) (Robinson et al., 2010; Wagner et al., 2011). In the Coastal Plain where Black Locust is sparsely present, other species of legumes are probably used, including Dwarf Locust (Robinia nana) and Bristly Locust (R. hispida). In North Carolina, we have feeding records for a tick-trefoil (Desmodium sp.), Naked Tick-trefoil (Hylodesmum nudiflorum), and Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Mocis marcida Withered Mocis MONA_number: 8744.00		The postmedian is offset at the fold (Forbes, 1954)		Larvae feed on grasses (Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Mocis latipes Small Mocis MONA_number: 8743.00		Strongly mottled and usually with a distinct median band and circular subreniform spot (Forbes, 1954)	The majority (well over 80%) of our records come from the Coastal Plain, including from maritime dunes, savannas, and sand ridges.	Larvae feed on grasses, including crops such as corn, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane; turf grasses and pasture grasses (Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S5]
Caenurgina crassiuscula Clover Looper Moth MONA_number: 8738.00		This species and males of Caenurgina erechtea are very similar in appearance and males may need to be dissected in order to definitely identify them. Both sexes of crassiuscula and males of erechtea have two dark bars crossing the forewing. In crassiuscula, both bars are relatively diffuse and usually only partly outlined; the upper bar, when complete, forms a wide loop that either joins or nearly touches the lower bar near the inner margin (Forbes, 1954). In males of erechtea, the lower portions of the bars are more completely edged and the upper bar is usually well separated from the lower bar and may also be separated from the inner margin by the pale edging. The ground color in crassiuscula is usually brown but grayer in erectea (Forbes, 1954). Sexes are similar in this species, although the bars in the females may be only vaguely indicated.	Wagner et al. (2011) list pastures, fields, and roadsides as primary habitat. Our records also include woodlands but probably mainly along edges or herbaceous openings.	Larvae feed on both grasses and legumes but appear to prefer grasses (Wagner et al, 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4]
Euclidia cuspidea Toothed Somberwing MONA_number: 8731.00				Larvae have been recorded on legumes and grasses (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Caenurgina erechtea Forage Looper Moth MONA_number: 8739.00		This species is sexually dimorphic. The forewings of males are mouse-gray and crossed by two blackish, contrasting bands that are widely separated and usually edged with narrow lines, especially on the lower sides; the antemedian in particular is usually pale and well-marked (Forbes, 1954). The subterminal is composed of a series of dark dots, with strong two dark marks below the apex. The orbicular is a dot and the reniform is typically obscure. Females are duller and browner and have only faint bands, if any. Both sexes of Caenurgina crassiuscula are similar to the males of erechtea but are much browner (Forbes, 1954). The two bars are more diffuse in crassicula and usually only partly outlined; the upper bar, when complete, forms a wide loop that either joins or nearly touches the lower bar near the inner margin (Forbes, 1954). Males of these two species may need to be dissected in order to definitely identify them.	Our records come from open, herbaceous habitats as well as forested and woodlands, probably mainly along edges or openings.	Larvae reportedly feed on grasses, legumes, and ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) (Robinson et al., 2010; Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Drasteria grandirena Figure-seven Moth MONA_number: 8641.00				Larvae are monophagous on American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, Jeff Niznik has reared a larva from Witch-hazel.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Melipotis jucunda Merry Melipotis MONA_number: 8607.00			Nearly all of our records come from barrier islands.	Larvae have been recorded on several hardwood tree species, including Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis) in North Carolina and willow (Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR S3S4
Melipotis indomita Indomitable Melipotis MONA_number: 8600.00				Larvae feed on mesquite (Wagner et al., 2011), which does not occur in our area.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [SNA]	This species is probably an uncommon migrant in our area
Cissusa spadix Black-dotted Brown Moth MONA_number: 8592.00			Our records come from a wide range of wet, mesic, and dry forests, from the barrier islands to high mountains.	Larvae feed mainly on oaks, including Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Q. alba), and Live Oak (Q. virginiana); may also feed on hickories (Carya) and other species during outbreaks (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S5]
Phoberia atomaris Common Oak Moth MONA_number: 8591.00			Our records come from a wide range of wet, mesic, and dry stands of hardwood forests.	Larvae feed on oaks (Wagner et al., 2011). Reported hosts include White Oak (Quercus alba), Post Oak (Q. stellata), and Black Oak (Q. velutina) (Marquis et al., 2019). In North Carolina, larvae have been observed feeding on White Oak and Chestnut Oak (Q. montana).		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
Phoberia ingenua Barrens Oak Moth MONA_number: 8591.10			This species is associated with dry, sandy oak woodlands throughout its range (Wagner et al., 2011). Almost all of our records come from the sand ridge habitats in the Coastal Plain; a few also come from ridge top habitats in the Mountains.	J.B. Sullivan has found larvae feeding on Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis), which seems likely to be one of its most important host plants, if not its sole host plant. Larvae still need to be looked for on other species of xerophytic oaks growing in the same habitat as Turkey Oak.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G3G4 SNR [S2S3]
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 ranges from dark blackish-gray to a somewhat lighter blue-gray. Umbrosa generally shows less contrast between its ground color and markings. In particular, the border and/or filling of the reniform spot is usually a much bolder white in ilia but much less conspicuous in umbrosa. In examining North Carolina specimens (S. Hall, pers. obs.), the antemedian line in umbrosa appears to be more excurved and more unudulating, especially towards the inner margin; in ilia, the antemedian usually runs straighter across the wing and is usually much more heavily marked. The basal area in ilia is also usually much darker than the median area, whereas the two areas are more concolorous in umbrosa.	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). However, we have at least some records (one confirmed by dissection) from wet-to-mesic stands, including the floodplain of the lower Roanoke River.	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 from the few Bear Oak sites that occur in North Carolina.	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 made about its conservation needs. More determinations also need to be made via dissection to clearly eliminate possible confusion with Catocala ilia.
Catocala orba Orb Underwing MONA_number: 8856.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.	A medium-sized Catocala with a pale gray forewing and black hindwings. It differs from C. miranda primarily in size (Sargent, 1976); our specimens of orba exceed 50 mm in wingspan, whereas Sargent states that miranda ranges only from 40-45 mm. Schweitzer et al. (2011) also mention that miranda usually has some darker shadings, particularly towards the inner margin, whereas orba is more uniformly pale. C. orba also resembles C. judith in size, color, and pattern, but is paler and has narrower forewings. The pattern on the undersides of the wings easily separates the two, with orba possessing nearly all black hindwings but those of judith having a broad pale area located towards the base (Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976). Records submitted for this species should give some indication of size (e.g., a coin included in the photograph).	Our records all come from rich alluvial forests. Sites along the lower Roanoke, a brownwater river with its origin in the Ridge and Valley Province of Virginia, contain some of the richest alluvial soils in the state. Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) is common in this area, as are other bottomland species of Crataegus. Although we also have at least one record from a small blackwater stream in Carteret County, there are several plants at that site that are indicative of rich soils, suggesting there may be a marl layer close to the surface. The site where this species has been recorded in the Piedmont appears to support a stand of Basic-Mesic Hardwood Forest. The presence of alluvial species of hawthorns at that site is unreported.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on hawthorn. Jeff Slotten (cited in Wagner et al.,2011) states that Parsley Hawthorn (Crataegus marshallii) is used in Florida, along with possibly other lowland species of hawthorn. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	Comes to blacklight and bait, but we have too few records to estimate how well they are attracted.	Listed as Significantly Rare by the Natural Heritage Program. That designation does not confer any legal protection, however, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 S1S3	This species is considered uncommon but apparently widespread in southeastern swamps and alluvial forests (NatureServe Explorer, 2016). However, we have very few records for this species, currently represented by just five specimens from only four sites. It seems to be very much a habitat specialist, found in rich bottomlands where it is associated with alluvial species of Hawthorns.
Catocala lincolnana Lincoln Underwing MONA_number: 8860.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.	A medium-sized Catocala with strongly contrasting median and basal areas on the forewing and with yellow-and-black banded hindwings. Like Catocala crataegi and blandula, C. lincolnana has an arc of dark brown that sweeps down the antemedian and across the inner margin, in some cases reaching the anal angle. The median area of the wing is contrastingly pale but dusted with brown or gray; the apex is usually somewhat darker, similar to the basal area. The reniform is white but often obscure; the subreniform is typically more conspicuous and filled with light brown. The hindwings are banded with black and orange, following the usual Catocala pattern. C. lincolnana is larger than the other members of this group and the median area is a light tan rather than the white or blue-gray shades found in pretiosa and crataegi.	Rich alluvial forests and swamp margins associated with brownwater rivers. Also occurs in similarly rich, wet hardwoods associated with outcrops of marl. We have no records from drier, sandier, or more acidic habitats.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on hawthorns (Crataegus spp.). Florida populations have been found in association with Parsley Hawthorn (C. marshallii), a species often associated with mafic or calcareous soils in both floodplains and uplands (Weakley, 2016). A population of this species has been documented along the Roanoke River where the moth was first found in the state. Other hawthorns are also present, however, and the Florida distribution of the moth suggests that a range of hawthorns is used (Schweitzer et al., 2011). Wagner also lists Littlehip Hawthorn (C. spathulata), which is quite rare in North Carolina and outside the range of our records. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	Good samples of this species were obtained on the Roanoke River using 15 watt blacklight traps; it also came to bait in the same area.	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 S2S3	This species appears to be rare throughout its range and is only known in North Carolina from three sites. It does not appear to be reluctant to come to the usual methods of attraction and its rarity appears to be more due to host plant and habitat restrictions. Much of the vast bottomland forests it probably once occupied have been heavily exploited for timber over the past 150 years and existing populations may be highly vulnerable to spraying to control Gypsy Moths. The Roanoke River site where this species was first discovered in North Carolina was, in fact, treated for Gypsy Moths shortly after its discovery, although some mitigation was provided by using pheromone flakes -- a highly Gypsy Moth-specific control agent -- within the area where Catocala lincolnana (along with C. orba) was documented to occur. The rest of the area, however, was sprayed with Btk, a control agent that affects a large range of Lepidopteran species (see Hall et al., 1999). As pointed out by Schweitzer et al. (2011), C. lincolnana may be particularly vulnerable due to its early emergence in the spring, with young instar larvae present during the time the spraying is done. No monitoring was done post treatment, however, and the effect on the native moth populations is unknown.
Catocala grisatra Grisatra Underwing MONA_number: 8875.00	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.	A medium-sized Catocala, with blue-gray to dark gray forewings, with a basal dash and often with a curvifascia mark -- a dark colored arc that extends from near the apex at the costal margin down to the reniform; hindwings are yellow to orange, with the usual dark postmedian band (Sargent, 1976). Schweitzer et al. (2011) also note that "the frosted appearance of the gray parts of the forewings is usually distinctive."	W.J. Cromartie collected the first two North Carolina specimens on a xeric sand ridge on the north side of a Carolina Bay (i.e., a bay-rim). The site was dominated by a mixture of Longleaf Pine and Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana), with Scrubby Post Oak (Q. margarettae) and Turkey Oak (Q. laevis) also present. Crataegus munda was common in the shrub layer, as were Persimmons and Sparkleberries. Herbs were sparse but Yuccas and Cladonia lichens were common in sandy openings (Hall pers. obs.).	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding solely on hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) and probably only on a few species associated with xeric sandhills habitats. Schweitzer et al. (2011) specifically mention the use of C. flava in Florida (a species with a problematic taxonomy - Weakley, 2015) and it has also been reared on One-flowered Hawthorn (C. uniflora). In North Carolina, Dwarf Hawthorn (Crataegus munda = geniculata) is the one that prevails at the Bladen County site where Cromartie first found Catocala grisatra.	Comes to light to some extent, but Kons (cited by Schweitzer et al.) states they come only rarely to lights or to bait and have not been observed during the day (presumably where tapping was used in attempts to flush the adults); larvae are more often recorded than adults (Schweitzer et al., 2011).	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.	G2 S1	Considered Globally Rare by NatureServe and apparently occurs as an extremely rare disjunct in North Carolina. Following Cromartie's initial discovery of the species in North Carolina, several attempts were made to find it, both at the original site and at other Carolina bay-rims in the area that possessed similar communities of Hawthorns and Bluejack Oaks. None were found in Bladen County but Jeff Slotten eventually discovered a second population in the Fall-line Sandhills. Habitat at the original site was partially destroyed by clearcutting and application of herbicides to prevent the resprouting of hardwoods and promote the growth of pines. Such practices may be the greatest threat to grisatra, as well as other Hawthorn-feeding moths that were identified at these sites (e.g., Catocala alabamae and praeclara). The careful use of prescribed burns is likely to be less harmful, but the natural fire regime affecting these xeric bay-rims is not well-established. Whatever the management at any site that supports a population of this moth, careful monitoring should be done to determine any impacts, positive or negative, and the practices adapted accordingly.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Catocala blandula Charming Underwing MONA_number: 8867.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.	A medium-sized Underwing, with contrasting pale and dark areas on the forewing and yellow-orange hindwings that have heavy black bands. The median area of the forewing is a light blue-gray and bordered by a large brown patch covering the basal area and extending in a band along the inner margin (Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976). A basal dash is present; the antemedian is fairly straight and oblique; and the postmedian is incurved and fairly even below the cell to the fold. The hindwing is yellow-orange with a heavy, complete, black inner loop. Catocala crataegi, mira, pretiosa, and aestivalia are all similar. Blandula differs from crataegi in lacking any green tint in the median area and showing less contrast between the median and basal areas; the subterminal area may also be more extensively shaded with brown (Sargent, 1976). Differs from all of the other species by the antemedian and postmedian either touching in the area along the fold or with only a narrow gap between them (Barnes and McDunnough, 1918).		Larvae feed on apple and crabapple (Malus spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus), and probably serviceberry (Amelanchier) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Catocala praeclara Praeclara Underwing MONA_number: 8865.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.	A medium-sized Underwing with forewings variably shaded with gray or brown and hindwings banded with yellow-and-black similar to other members of this species group. Specimens from the Coastal Plain, where most of our records come from, lack the bright, glossy or metallic green ground color described by Grote and Robinson (1866) and Barnes and McDunnough (1918) and are instead either a dull greenish-, bluish-, brownish-, or violet-gray or are completely suffused with dark, purplish brown; in all forms, there is little contrast between the median and basal areas. A short but distinct and usually forked basal dash is present, including in the brown forms (unlike both C. charlottae and manitoba, where the dash is typically absent or obscure). The antemedian line is well developed and doubled, with a pale filling. The postmedian is also usually well marked, with an inward bend at the fold, forming a strong line paralleling the inner margin and bordered below by a dark brown shade. Catocala clintonii is similar but usually larger than praeclara and possesses longer, narrower dashes and a thinner antemedian line; the inner black band on the hindwing is complete in praeclara but does not extend along the fold in clintonii. Catocala grynea and alabamae are more similar in size and also possess relatively uniform forewings with a dark band between the lower portion of the postmedian and inner margin. However, both of these species lack a basal dash and have weak or obscure lines. C. praeclara also usually have a dark subapical shade that runs from the upper points on the postmedian line to the outer margin, which is not typical of the other two species. Catocala dulciola is yet another similar species, possessing a basal dash and strong, doubled antemedian line. However, there is more contrast in that species between the pale gray median area of the wing and the more strongly darkened basal area. The basal dash is also more arched than in praeclara, with the lower fork along the anal vein being much stronger than the upper fork, which is much more poorly developed than in praeclara.	Records from the Coastal Plain come mainly from peatlands, swamp forests, and pond edges. In the Piedmont and Mountains, records come from both lowland and ridge-top habitats.	Larvae feed on chokeberry (Aronia), serviceberry (Amelanchier), and hawthorns (Crataegus) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Psara obscuralis Obscure Psara MONA_number: 5268.00		In this species the head, thorax, abdomen, and ground color of the forewing and hindwing are concolorous and typically a medium brown to yellowish-brown. All of the forewing marks are dark brown and include a mostly straight antemedial line that angles basally just before reaching the costa, a small and often inconspicuous orbicular spot, and a rectangular reniform spot with double bars projecting inward from the costa. The postmedial line projects inward from the costa at about four-fifths the wing length, then has a prominently toothed section with four or five teeth that bulge outward. From there the line projects basally to form a conspicuous loop whose apex nearly touches the reniform spot. The terminal end of the loop forms part of a conspicuous single tooth between the loop and the inner margin. The subterminal region often has diffuse dark shading between the veins, while the fringe is dark brown and adjoins a thin dark terminal line that is often broken. The hindwing is similar to the forewing, but lacks the antemedial line and is paler towards the base. Psara obscuralis is sometimes confused with Patania silicalis, but the latter has a weakly toothed bulge on the postmedial line and the reniform is composed of a single line. It also resemble our Hahncappsia species, but the latter lack the prominent teeth on the postmedial bulge and have a diffuse, dark-brown, subterminal band that is missing on Psara obscuralis.	This species is commonly found in disturbed habitats and in fragmented landscapes, particularly where mesic woodland edges and moist clearings support American Pokeweed. Most of our records are from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods.	The hosts are poorly documented but including a species of Amaranthus, Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), and American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana; Heppner, 2007). American Pokeweed appears to be the primary host species based on several records from iNaturalist, BugGuide, and other internet resources. Ken Kneidel reared an adult in North Carolina from a larva in a leaf fold on American Pokeweed. The larvae also feed on Guinea Henweed (Petiveria alliacea) in Costa Rica, but the Central American populations of Psara obscuralis are genetically distinct and may represent a cryptic species.	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S3-S4]	This species is fairly common throughout the state and appears to be reasonably secure given that it relies on American Pokeweed as a host plant.
Catocala clintonii Clinton's Underwing MONA_number: 8872.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae. Kons and Borth, 2015b), however, exclude clintonii from this group, presumably based on absence of certain male genitalic features that they regard as synapomorphies of Group XVII. Both Barnes and McDunnough (1918) and Forbes (1954) also expressed doubts about including it in this group.	A medium-sized Underwing with gray forewings and yellow-and-black banded hindwings. The forewing is variably shaded with gray, the costa usually paler than the rest of the wing and the area on the outside of the reniform darker (Forbes, 1954). A long, narrow basal dash is characteristic, usually reaching to the antemedian or crossing it; this dash is typically not forked, but may have a small line joining it on the upper side. The antemedian and postmedian are both well-marked and single, although there may be a pale line edging the antemedian on its inner side. The reniform is gray but surrounded by a whitish shade; the subreniform is large, pale, and closed. The inner loop of the hindwing ends abruptly at the inner margin, without the strongly dark connection to the base typical of the other Rosaceae-feeding Underwings (Group XVII). Catocala praeclara has a similar forewing pattern but is smaller, usually less grayish, and has a shorter, more wedge-shaped basal dash, lacking the lower projection along the anal vein.	Our records come mainly from low-lying areas near streams or other wet sites. Some records from the Mountains come from cove forests or ridges.	Larvae are oligophagous, feeding on a number of genera in the Rosaceae. Wagner et al. (2011) list apple (Malus), cherry and plum (Prunus spp. - especially Chickasaw Plum), and hawthorn (Crataegus). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S4S5]
Catocala ultronia Ultronia Underwing MONA_number: 8857.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.			Larvae are oligophagous, feeding on several members of the Rosaceae. Wagner et al. (2011) state that Prunus species are the main host plants but that they also use apple (Malus) and hawthorn (Crataegus) to some extent. In North Carolina, we have feeding records for Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) and Black Cherry (P. serotina).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Catocala mira Wonderful Underwing MONA_number: 8863.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.	A medium-sized Underwing, with medium gray forewings and orange hindwings that have heavy black bands. The median area of the forewing is bluish-gray with a pale band extending obliquely along the outer side of the antemedian from the costa down to the subreniform, which is usually whitish and conspicuously ringed with dark gray (Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976). A basal dash is present but the basal area is not heavily shaded with brown or black as it is in crataegi, blandula, and pretiosa, nor is the inner margin as darkly shaded as in crataegi and blandula. The hindwings are often a deeper orange-yellow shade than other members of this group, but the black bands are otherwise similar. In addition to the differences from blandula and crataegi noted above, the gap between the antemedian and postmedian lines at the fold is wider than in those species. Differences from some forms of Catocala aesivalia can be subtle, but mira usually has an area of richer brown between the postmedian and subterminal lines and usually shows more contrast between the pale and dark areas in the median part of the forewing (Kons and Borth, 2015b).	Our records from the Coastal Plain come from riparian habitats associated with brownwater river. Some of our Mountain records come from high ridges.	Larvae feed mainly on hawthorn (Crataegus) but have also been reported on crabapple (Malus) and plum (Prunus) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]
Catocala crataegi Hawthorn Underwing MONA_number: 8858.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XVII (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed mainly on members of the Rosaceae; 12 other members of this group (as redefined by Kons and Borth, 2015b) also occur in North Carolina.	A medium-sized Underwing, with strongly contrasting pale and dark areas on the forewing and yellow-orange hindwings that have heavy black bands. The median area of the forewing is a light, greenish-gray, bordered by a large black patch covering the basal area and extending in a band along the inner margin (Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976). A basal dash is present; the antemedian is excurved; and the postmedian is incurved and fairly even below the cell to the fold. The hindwing is yellow-orange with a heavy, complete, black inner loop. Catocala aestivalia, blandula, mira, and pretiosa are all similar, but the light greenish median shade that strongly contrasts with the black basal area and outer margin is characteristic of crataegi. The antemedian and postmedian lines of the forewings usually do not touch the way they do in blandula, but are not as separated as in mira and pretiosa (Sargent, 1976). Blandula also usually has a rounded spot below the reniform where the white cross band meets the black, but is absent in crataegi (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs). Specimens of C. aestivalia mostly lack the dark shade along the inner margin but at least some individuals may not be securely separated from C. crataegi (Kons and Borth, 2015b).		Larvae feed on apple (Malus) and hawthorn (Crataegus) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]
Catocala gracilis Graceful Underwing MONA_number: 8847.00	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. Barnes and MacDunnough (1918) and Forbes (1954) placed this species in Group XV, which also includes C. sordida and andromedae, all associated with heaths.	The forewings are usually pale gray but with the inner margin often shaded with black. In form lemmeri, the thorax -- which is normally gray -- as well as the inner margin of the forewing are almost entirely black (Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976). A dark basal dash also exists in both sexes. The antemedian and postmedian lines are also black and fine, but sometimes broken or obsolete. The hindwing is marked with orange and black bands. In gracilis, the postmedian black band is strongly recurved and typically end abruptly before the inner margin. Catocala sordida is very similar, but lacks the black basal dash and is usually not so darkly shaded with black. Melanic specimens of these two species may be very difficult to distinguish but if a distinct basal dash is present, then gracilis is the most likely (Sargent, 1976). The hindwings of the two species are also similar but the postmedian black band continues somewhat diffusely along the inner margin towards the base.	A number of our records come from dry, rocky habitats in the Mountains and Piedmont monadnocks but others come from low-lying flatwoods, pocosins, and shrubby borders of depression ponds.	Larvae are oligophagous, feeding on Vaccinium (particularly Highbush Blueberry) and Swamp Fetterbush (Eubotrys racemosa) (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, J.B. Sullivan reared a larva from blueberry.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Catocala andromedae Andromeda Underwing MONA_number: 8849.00	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 ground color of the forewings is pale bluish-gray. A distinctive black band runs from the dark thorax along the inner margin to the apex. The antemedian is black and often incomplete, but with a conspicuous black trapezoidal spot located between the antemedian and the white subreniform spot. The postmedian is crenulate, narrow and black, followed by white. The subterminal band is white and scalloped. The hindwing is solidly black with a distinctive short white bar located at the apex. The fringe is otherwise mainly black. Catocala gracilis is similar in forewing color and pattern, including the dark line along the inner margin but lacks the dark trapezoidal mark and has a narrow basal dash that is missing in andromedae; the hindwings of gracilis are also banded in orange and black rather than being solidly black.	Most of our records come from dry, rocky ridges and summits in the Mountains but we also have several from flatwoods or possibly pocosin habitats.	Larvae are apparently oligophagous, feeding on azaleas (Rhododendron) and blueberry (Vaccinium), including Sparkleberry (V. arboreum) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4]
Catocala similis Similar Underwing MONA_number: 8873.00	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. Barnes and MacDunnough (1918) and Forbes (1954) placed similis in Group XVIII, as its only member.	The ground color is ash gray (Forbes, 1954). Patches of pale greenish gray are typically present in the basal area, at the reniform, and in an elongated costo-apical spot. The lines are single and black and very distinctive. A basal line is present and the antemedian consists of three outward loops, the middle one particularly broad. The postmedian by itself is highly diagnostic, unlike that of any other of our species of Catocala. It has a sharp, highly retracted bend immediately below the costa and then runs a straight course parallel to the costa, then making a sharp, obtuse bend past the reniform spot, forming another cusp at the end of the cell then running fairly straight across the wing until just before the inner margin, where it makes another sharp inset before terminating. a narrow, straight band of dark reddish-brown usually follows the postmedian. The reniform is typically pale and conspicuous with a less conspicuous pale subreniform just below it. Hindwings are yellow banded with black, with the outer band constricted partway to the anal angle.	Wagner et al. (2011) state that this species is associated with sandy, dry-oak woodlands with small oaks. Our records come almost entirely from maritime dunes and sand ridges in the Coastal Plain. Only a few records come from the Piedmont and Mountains, with several from dry woodland habitats.	Larvae feed on oaks, including Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) and Blackjack Oak (Q. marilandica) (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, J.B. Sullivan reared larvae from Turkey Oak (Q. laevis) and Bluejack Oak (Q. incana).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Catocala micronympha Little Nymph Underwing MONA_number: 8876.00	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 ground color of the forewings is extremely variable and there are a large number of named forms (see Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976). The presence of a curvifacia mark is fairly constant, with a black shade extending from the midpoint of the costa to the dark reniform, and from the reniform slanting obliquely to the outer margin just below the apex. The portion that interrupts the crenulate, waved, white subterminal line is almost always evident, as is a pale apical patch set off by the white subterminal and the black curvifascial line. The remainder of the wing can be nearly unicolorous dark or pale, or can have a contrast between the median area and the base, which is defined by a crenulate, white antemedian line. Hindwings are orange, crossed by a dark median band that terminates in a hook, followed by a more diffuse dark shade that extends up the fold. A dark band also follows the outer margin that ends at the cubital vein, with an isolated black spot at the anal angle. Catocala minuta is similar but smaller. It lacks the curvifascia line but has a pale apical patch partly defined by a crenulate white subterminal line, but that line is continuous across the wing rather than interrupted by the black curvifascia. Catocala amica is another species that usually has a curvifascia band but the forewing pattern is more consistently pale and the hindwing pattern is completely different.		Larvae feed on oaks, especially in the White Oak group (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, J.B. Sullivan reared a larva from Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis), and also recorded larvae on Darlington Oak (Q. hemisphaerica), Bluejack Oak (Q. incana), and Live Oak (Q. virginiana).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Catocala lineella Little Lined Underwing MONA_number: 8878.10	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Lineella was included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XX (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed on Oaks. This group originally included amica and jair, with lineella now added as a separate species. At least one undescribed species may eventually be added. Catocala lineella has been treated as a form of amica, but was restored to full species status by Gall (1990), who also considered forms melanotica, aurantiaca, and novangliae of amica as a synonyms of lineella. Gall and Hawks (2010) treated form nerissa as an additional synonym of lineella.	A medium-sized Underwing, with mottled, dark gray forewings and yellow-orange hindwings that lack a median black band. Grote (1872) described lineella as very similar to Catocala amica, but darker and "powdered with glaucous, bluish- or greenish-gray, and black scales". The curvifascia band that is present in some forms of amica -- at least as a well-defined dark arc rather than a diffuse shade -- is absent in lineella (Barnes and McDunnough, 1918; D.F. Schweitzer, pers. comm.). Catocala jair is usually more uniformly dark (in our populations) and has a straighter, less dentate postmedian line (Barnes and Mcdunnough, 1918).		Larvae feed on oaks (Quercus spp.), particularly in the red and black oak groups (Wagner et al., 2011). Reported hosts include Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), Bear Oak (Q. ilicifolia), Chestnut Oak (Q. montana), Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra), Post Oak (Q. stellata), and Black Oak (Q. velutina) (Robinson et al., 2010). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Catocala connubialis Connubial Underwing MONA_number: 8877.00	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 ground color is typically whitish gray, with the basal and terminal areas usually black; some forms can have a greenish cast. The lines can be strongly dentate and marked in black or can be inconspicuous. A distinctive dark reddish-brown band exists between the postmedian and subterminal lines. The hindwings are red-orange and crossed by black bands. The band that runs along the outer margin ends sharply at the cubital vein with a separate black spot located at the anal angle.	Our records come almost entirely from wet-mesic hardwoods. Coastal Plain records come mainly from alluvial forests; Piedmont from alluvial forests and lake margins; Mountain from cove forests and high elevation mesic forests.	Larvae feed on oaks (Quercus spp.) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Catocala ilia Ilia Underwing MONA_number: 8801.00	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.		Our records come from the full range of oak-containing habitats in the state, from martime forest and sand ridges to alluvial forest and high elevation mesic forests.	Larvae feed on oaks (Quercus spp.), mainly red oaks but also white oaks (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]
Catocala coccinata Scarlet Underwing MONA_number: 8851.00	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.	Forewings are pale gray and streaked with black, possessing several spots of pale whitish. Black basal and anal dashes are present, as well as an arc of black running from the reniform to the outer margin. The reniform has a diffuse pale outline and the subreniform is closed, with a narrow black outline and pale filling. The hindwings are distinctively scarlet and banded with black.	Our records come primarily from stands of upland oak forests.	Larvae feed on several species of oaks, including Black Oak (Quercus velutina), Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra), Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), Post Oak (Q. stellata), Sand Post Oak (Q. margaretiae), and Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Catocala amica Girlfriend Underwing MONA_number: 8878.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Catocala amica was included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group XX (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which feed on Oaks. This group originally also included C. jair, with lineella now added as a separate species. At least one undescribed species may eventually be added.	A relatively small, pale gray Catocala, with a conspicuous dark curvifascia line running from the middle of the costa to the outer margin below the apex. The ground color is pale gray and variably shaded with brown. The orbicular is a pale pear-shaped spot and the reniform is typically shaded with red brown. The hindwing is yellow and has only a single dark band running along the outer margin with a separated black dot located at the anal angle. Catocala lineela has a similar hindwing pattern but has a more mottled bluish-gray forewing pattern that lacks a curvifascia band. Catocala jair also has a similar hindwing but has a blackish forewing, a less dentate postmedian, and a brown subterminal area (Sargent, 1976). A third, currently undescribed species also appears to exist with a pattern more similar to jair but more brownish than blackish.	Found mainly in xeric sites in the Coastal Plain, including maritime forests and sand ridges. In the Piedmont and Mountains, however, it is associated with wet-to-mesic habitats, including alluvial forests, cove forests, and high elevation forests.	Larvae feed on oaks, including White Oak (Quercus alba), Live Oak (Q. virginiana), Bear Oak (Q. ilicifolia) and others (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4]
Catocala amatrix Sweetheart Underwing MONA_number: 8834.00	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.	A large underwing moth. Fore-wings have a flat yellowish or grayish-brown ground color but with a pale gray sheen that is more or less evident depending on the lighting and angle of view. The typical form (nurus, according to Holland, , and Forbes, 1954) has a heavy dark basal dash that usually is joined with a median and apical dash that crosses the wing diagonally; in form selecta, the dashes are reduced or absent (Sargent, 1976). The antemedian and postmedian lines are dark and contrasting in the upper half of the wing but paler towards the inner margin; the upper portion of the antemedian is fairly wavy and runs obliquely in from the costa (less smooth and curved than in cara and carissima) and often has an inward-pointing tooth at or near the radius (an outward tooth is usually prominent in cara and carissima). A large sub-reniform spot is present and usually joined to the antemedian by a dark patch or lines (Sargent, 1976). The hindwings are strongly marked with red and black bands, similarly to cara and carissima, but lack the black basal area present in those species.	Our records come mainly from wetland habitats, including several where either Eastern Cottonwoods or Swamp Cottonwoods are known to occur. However, it has also been recorded at some sites where only willows are known. It has also been recorded on some high ridges in the Mountains where neither willows nor cottonwoods seem likely to be present; Bigtooth Aspen has been recorded at least at one of those sites, however.	Larvae reportedly feed on poplars (Populus spp.), including cultivated species, and possibly willows (Salix spp.) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Catocala concumbens Pink Underwing MONA_number: 8833.00	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 forewings are pale gray, shading to whitish along the costa (Forbes, 1954). The lines are narrow and black, similar to those of cara and amatrix. The reniform is often obscure but can be fairly large and pale. Hindwings are distinctively pink, crossed by two broad, sharp-edged bands of black. The fringe is white. Catocala amatrix can be similar in appearance and color, but can have broad longitudinal bands of black on the forewings and the black lines on the hindwings are narrower.	Our sole record comes from a high elevation site where willows may be present or possibly Bigtooth Aspen.	Larvae feed on willows (Salix) and poplars (Populus) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S1]	We know of only a single record for this species in North Carolina.
Catocala ulalume Ulalume Underwing MONA_number: 8789.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group VI (also adopted by Forbes, 1954). This groups comprises 15 species, all of which feed on Hickories or Walnuts (Juglandaceae). In addition to Catocala ulalume, other members of this group that occur in North Carolina include retecta, dejecta, insolabilis, myristica, vidua, maestosa, lachrymosa, palaeogama, nebulosa, subnata, and neogama.	A large, medium-gray Underwing with black hindwings. This species is similar in pattern and color to both Catocala lacrymosa and dejecta (French, 1922; Forbes, 1954; Sargent, 1976), but tends to be peppered with dark specks and is coarser in appearance overall. It is less blue than dejecta and the oblique pale patch running outside the antemedian from the costa to the reniform is much less conspicuous in ulalume. Compared to lacrymosa, it lacks prominent brown shading, although it may have some dull brown in the subterminal space and the reniform; the pale lunules at the inner margin that are prominent in lacrymosa are either indistinct or at least much less developed in ulalume. The hindwings are black with a white fringe. As in dejecta and lacrymosa, the fringe is white but with black teeth marking the veins where they cross the fringe.	Our records come primarily from sandhills in the Coastal Plain and dry ridge tops in the Piedmont and Mountains. Records are absent from bottomlands.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) (Wagner et al., 2011) and possibly other hickories. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	Comes to some extent to lights and bait.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S2S4]	Records from only three sites are current; the rest are historic. This species is generally considered rare or uncommon, although its exact status is often viewed as uncertain, given the possible confusion with Catocala lacrymosa or dejecta. Its wide distribution in North Carolina, together with the commonness of its host plants suggests that it may be secure but far more information is needed on this species before its conservation status can be accurately determined.
Catocala subnata Youthful Underwing MONA_number: 8797.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group VI (also adopted by Forbes, 1954). This groups comprises 15 species, all of which feed on Hickories or Walnuts (Juglandaceae). In addition to Catocala subnata, other members of this group that occur in North Carolina include retecta, dejecta, ulalume, insolabilis, myristica, vidua, maestosa, lachrymosa, palaeogama, nebulosa, and neogama.	The ground color is pale gray, sometimes with a bluish tint but without any greenish shading (Forbes, 1954). Females have a slight basal dash that is missing in the males. Catocala neogama is similar in pattern but has a greenish tint on the forewings, is more shaded with brown, and has deeper yellow bands on the hindwings.	Most of our records come from cove forests in the Mountains. Habitats used in the Piedmont are unclear.	Larvae feed on Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) and possibly other hickories (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Catocala robinsonii Robinson's Underwing MONA_number: 8780.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group V (also adopted by Forbes, 1954). This groups comprises 10 species, all of which feed on Hickories or Walnuts (Juglandaceae). In addition to Catocala robinsonii, other members of this group that occur in North Carolina include habilis, serena, judith, flebilis, angusi, obscura, residua, and sappho.	A large, pale gray, dimorphic Underwing with black hindwings. In the typical form, the forewings are a uniform gray; in form missouriensis, a fairly broad black band runs obliquely from the base of the wing to the outer margin below the apex. The transverse lines are fine and black; a black basal dash is present in females but an anal dash is not well developed in either sex. The reniform is often somewhat reddish brown, followed by a dark stain the extends to the postmedian; the subreniform is usually open. The hindwing is solid black with a contrasting grayish white fringe. The typical form is similar to habilis, but that species is smaller and has orange and black hindwings. Catocala myristica is similar in size and color, but the ground color of the forewings is more milky or opalescent white; the reniform usually has a larger patch of rusty brown; the dark stain following the reniform is usually absent; and the fringe of the hindwings is a brighter white. Form missouriensis is also similar to the dark streaked form of myristica but the other differences hold that distinguish these two species. Catocala flebilis is another similar dark streaked species but usually has a darker, bluish gray ground color and has a more contrasting pattern of dark and pale areas along the costa.	Our records all come from rich hardwood forests associated with nutrient-rich sediments and slopes along brownwater rivers in the Coastal Plain; mesic to dry stands associated with mafic rock formations, including gabbro and diabase in the Piedmont; and rich cove forests in the mountains.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on Shagbark Hickories and possibly Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa) (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, we have found populations found in association with both Northern Shagbark (Carya ovata) and Southern Shagbark (C. carolinae-septentrionalis).	Most of our records come from blacklights but it also comes well to bait.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S4]	This species occurs across a fairly wide area of the state but in association with fairly uncommon and restricted types of habitat -- most of our records come from sites that have large populations of Shagbark Hickories, which are themselves patchily distributed. Currently, this species is probably somewhat secure but more surveys need to be conducted in the fall to better determine its distribution and population trends.
Catocala retecta Yellow-gray Underwing MONA_number: 8788.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group VI (also adopted by Forbes, 1954). This groups comprises 15 species, all of which feed on Hickories or Walnuts (Juglandaceae). In addition to Catocala retecta, other members of this group that occur in North Carolina include dejecta, ulalume, insolabilis, myristica, vidua, maestosa, lachrymosa, palaeogama, nebulosa, subnata, and neogama.	A large pale gray and black-streaked Underwing with black hindwings. The ground color of the forewings is typically pale gray to cream. The transverse lines dashes are black and contrasting; the antemedian is double with a white filling. A basal dash is present in both sexes, with a slightly separate dash crossing the antemedian and nearly joining the postemedian at the subreniform loop. The long teeth of the postmedian just beyond the cell are strongly marked with black, as is the horizontally retracted portion of postmedian just above the inner margin. The veins in the marginal area are also black, with dark marginal patches at M1, M2, and A1. The subterminal line is white, preceded by a reddish brown shade. The reniform spot is also shaded with reddish brown. The hindwings are black with a white fringe. The horizontal dashes are narrower and more broken than in the streaked forms of C. robinsonii, myristica, and angusi. Catocala flebilis is smaller and darker blue-gray on the forewings. The postmedian on the underside of the hindwings has a distinctive outer bulge missing in the other species (Sargent, 1976).	Most of our records come from rich, mesic stands of hardwoods, including rich cove forest, northern hardwoods, mountain and brownwater alluvial forests. Records also come from drier ridge tops, including one stand of dry basic hardwoods in the Piedmont and more acidic stands in the mountains.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on Shagbarks and other section Carya hickories (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	Comes well to lights; like most underwings, it probably comes to bait.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	This species appears to be widespread and regularly occurring in the Mountains, where it appears to be secure. It seems to be much less frequent in the rest of the state but appears to occupy a wide range of forest type in that area as well.
Catocala residua Residua Underwing MONA_number: 8785.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group V (also adopted by Forbes, 1954). This groups comprises 10 species, all of which feed on Hickories or Walnuts (Juglandaceae). In addition to residua, other members of this group that occur in North Carolina include Catocala habilis, serena, robinsonii, judith, flebilis, angusi, obscura, and sappho.	A large, dull gray Underwing with black hindwings. The median and basal areas of the forewings are usually darker than subterminal and marginal areas, with the ground color a dark smoky gray, sometimes with a greenish or purplish sheen (Forbes, 1954). The subterminal line is contrastingly whitish and the marginal area is pale gray. Dark streaks are located subterminally, extending from the longer teeth of the postmedian line to the outer margin; similar dark streaks may also be located in the lower portion of the marginal area. The hindwings are black and usually have a fuscous fringe but which is occasionally mainly white. Catocala obscura is similar in size, color, and markings but is usually more uniformly shaded on the forewings and usually lacks the dark markings in the outer portion of the wing; obscura typically has a white fringe on the hindwings whereas the fringe is usually more fuscous in residua.	Our records all come from stands of hardwoods associated with rich soils, including the floodplains and slopes of brownwater rivers, mesic and dry basic hardwood forests in the Piedmont, and rich cove forests and alluvial forests in the Mountains.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding primarily on Shagbark Hickories (Wagner et al., 2011). Our records indicate that it feeds on both Northern and Southern Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata and C. carolinae-septentrionalis). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.	Comes fairly well to both lights and bait.	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 a strong habitat specialist but occurs fairly regularly over a large portion of the state. It consequently appears to be one of the more secure Shagbark specialists in the state.
Catocala nebulosa Clouded Underwing MONA_number: 8796.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group VI (also adopted by Forbes, 1954). This groups comprises 15 species, all of which feed on Hickories or Walnuts (Juglandaceae). In addition to nebulosa, other members of this group that occur in North Carolina include Catocala retecta, dejecta, ulalume, insolabilis, myristica, vidua, maestosa, lachrymosa, palaeogama, subnata, and neogama.	Strongly contrasting between the black basal area and luteous median area; dark areas are also present at the apex and anal angle. The hindwing is yellow-orange and crossed by two heavy black bands that end before reaching the inner margin, but with a diffuse dark line running up through the fold.	Almost all sites are from rich hardwood forests. In the Coastal Plain, these are limited to brownwater river floodplains and marl forests. In the Piedmont, they come mainly from alluvial forests. In the Mountans both cove forests and alluvial forests provide records.	Larvae feed on Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) and possibly also on Pecan (C. illinoinensis) (Wagner et al., 2011). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Catocala piatrix Penitent Underwing MONA_number: 8771.00	One of 103 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 67 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Catocala piatrix was included by Barnes and McDunnough (1918) in their Group II (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which contains just this one species.	A large brownish-gray Underwing with boldly banded orange and black hindwings. The forewings are mottled with dark and pale gray. A contrasting pale band extends from the costa to the subreniform, separating two patches of dark gray located in the upper basal area and the area surrounding the reniform. The subterminal area is a medium gray but is crossed by a dark gray apical dash. The hindwings are broadly banded with orange and black. Catocala innubens has similar hindwings but has a very different forewing color and/or pattern.	The majority of our records come from wet to mesic hardwood forests; only a couple of records come from dry slopes but in areas adjoining wet or mesic stands. Most records come from areas of fairly rich soils but at least one record from Gates County came from a blackwater floodplain.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding mainly on Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Butternut (Juglans cinerea), Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), and other hickories (Forbes, 1954; Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, Jeff Niznik has reared a larva on Pecan.	Comes to light to some extent and also to bait.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	We currently have only a few records for this species but it may be undersampled, requiring more bait surveys in particular to determine its actual frequency and abundance. This species is a moderate habitat specialist, but its habitats themselves are still fairly common. While it appears to be secure within the state more information is needed to accurately assess its status.