Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Chimoptesis n-sp MONA_number: 3271.10	This is an undescribed species of Chimoptesis that is known from the Gulf Coast and North Carolina (see BugGuide).			Host plants are apparently unknown.
Rhyacionia busckana Red Pine Tip Moth MONA_number: 2879.00	The genus Rhyacionia is widespread in the Holarctic Region, ranging from Japan and Asia to the Caribbean Antilles and Mexico (Powell and Miller, 1978). There are 33 described species worldwide and 24 in North America. The larvae feed on the needles, buds, and growing tips of pines.	Except for their antennal morphology, Rhyacionia busckana is externally indistinguishable from a sibling species, R. granti. The following is based on the original description by Miller (1985) of R. granti. The description of R. busckana by Powell and Miller (1978) was actually based on both species, since R. granti had not been described at that time. The labial palps, crown of the head, and thorax are clothed with either reddish scales or brownish black scales with white tips. The length of the second segment of the labial palp is subequal to the eye diameter, and the length of the third segment is one-fourth that of the second. The front of the head is brownish black. The antennal pecten length is less than that of the antennal segment length. The basal two-thirds of the forewing has a series of narrow, alternating, pale gray and grayish brown cross-bands. The apical third of the forewing has red and yellow scales. The hindwing is uniformly light gray above and the abdomen is shiny gray. The leg scaling is similar to that of the thorax. Rhyacionia granti and R. busckana are most easily distinguished by the male antennae (Miller, 1985). In R. granti the length of the pecten on the basal third of the antenna greatly exceeds the length of the antennal segments. In R. busckana, the length of the pecten is shorter than the length of the antennal segments (see image above and structural photos below). These species can also be distinguished by the male and female genitalia. Specimens of R. granti in North Carolina most commonly have reddish scales on the upper head and anterior regions of the thorax, while those of R. busckana tend to be more grayish. As of 2024, the two species also sort out geographically, with R. granti restricted to the Blue Ridge and R. busckana to the eastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain. R. busckana might also be confused with R. adana, but the latter has very short lateral projections on the antennae of males (the antennae appear smooth), the head tuft is reddish, and the grayish basal shade extends farther out into the wing on the costal half than on dorsal half of fore wing,	Populations require pines for successful reproduction, but the specific hosts that are used in the southeastern US are undocumented. Our collection records from the coast are near pocosins.	The larvae are pine specialists (Prentice, 1966; Powell and Miller, 1978; Miller, 1985a; Lam et al., 2011; Eiseman, 2022). In Canada, the larvae use Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana), Red Pine (P. resinosa), and Scotch Pine (P. sylvestris). Our collections from the coast are near pocosins with Pond Pine (P. serotina), which suggests that it could be a host.	The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed concerning host use, so we encourage naturalists to document aspects of the larval ecology and life history.		GNR SU	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species to assess its conservation status.
Metarranthis hypochraria Common Metarranthis MONA_number: 6826.00	One of thirteen species in this genus currently recognized as occurring in North America north of Mexico (Pohl et al., 2016). Twelve have been recorded in North Carolina.		Nearly all of our records come from mesic hardwood forests.	Reported hosts include apple (Malus), cherry (Prunus), meadowsweet (Spiraea), and blueberry (Vaccinium) (Wagner et al., 2001).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S5]
Acrolophus forbesi Forbes' Grass Tubeworm Moth MONA_number: 353.00	The genus Acrolophus is a mostly neotropical taxon with over 250 described species, including 54 that are currently recognized in North America. The labial palps on the males of many species are very elongated and densely hairy. The larvae of some species live in silk-lined burrows in the ground and feed on the roots and young shoots of grasses and herbs. However, the life histories of most species remain undocumented and in need of study. Members of this genus were previously placed in their own family (Acrolophidae), but they are now treated as a subgroup within the Tineidae based on molecular phylogenetic studies.	The following is based on the description by Hasbrouck (1964). In the male, the head, labial palp, and thorax are grayish white and tinged with fuscous. The labial palp is intermediate in length and recurved back over the head to the anterior margin of the thorax. The palps are closely appressed to the head and to each other, with the segmentation obscured by a rather dense covering of coarse scales. The eyes are large and protruding, and rather sparsely furnished with very short setae that are moderately lashed. The antennae is simple, ocherous, and covered dorsad with scales. It is densely clothed lateroventrad with minute setae, and the segmental processes are robust and set closely together throughout the antenna. The forewing is grayish brown and intricately sprinkled with fuscous, ocherous, and pale red. It often has four or five large, grayish white patches, but the pattern is variable and commonly obscure or reduced. The hindwing and fringes are dark brown, and the abdomen brown, wirh rather coarse scales. The females are similar in coloration to the males, but the labial palps are slightly shorter than those of the males. They are directed downward and slightly forward, are rather narrowly separated from each other, and are clothed with elongate, slender scales. The eyes are similar to those of males, but are somewhat smaller. Acrolophus piger is externally similar but is distantly related and can be easily separated using the genitalia. In addition, the structure of the antennae and eyes can be used to separate the two. In A. piger the eyes are rather densely clothed with erect setae, and each antennal segment is completely encircled by at least one ring of scales. In A. forbesi, the eyes have relatively few very short setae, and each antennal segment is clothed only dorsad or dorsolaterad with scales.	The habitats are undocumented.	The hosts are poorly documented. Heppner (2007) reports grasses, but it is unclear if this is based on actual observation or just inferred based on the hosts of other Acrolophus species.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S2S3]
Calosima argyrosplendella MONA_number: 1168.00		Calosima argyrosplendella is a tiny whitish to tannish-white moth with narrow wings and recurved labial palps that are slender and extend above the head. The palps are white and dusted externally with brown scales, with the third joint nearly as long as the second one. The head and thorax vary from pearly-white to tannish-white, while the antenna is pale grayish-brown, with the basal joint white. The forewings and fringe vary from white to tannish-white. The hindwings and fringe are more or less concolorous with the forewings, while the legs are lustrous white and somewhat suffused with fuscous. This species is easily confused with C. dianella, but is noticeably smaller and has somewhat narrower wings. It also usually lacks the faint clay-colored wash on the terminal third of the forewings as seen in C. dianella. Genitalia provide the best way to identify both species, but accurate measurements of forewing length is usually sufficient to identify these species, with C. argyrosplendella having a forewing length < 4.5 mm versus > 5.0 mm for C. dianella.	Our one record as of 2025 was from a semi-wooded residential neighborhood in the Piedmont.	The larval hosts are undocumented.	The adults are attracted to lights.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Calosima dianella Eastern Pine Catkin Borer Moth MONA_number: 1169.00		The following is based primarily on the description by Dietz (1910) and Clarke (1960; as Holcocera lepidophaga). The labial palp is slender, reaches to the antennal insertion, and is sordid white and dusted externally with fuscous. The third joint is three-fourths the length of the second. The antenna is slender and simple, and is creamy white to sordid white with narrow, dark annulations. The head, thorax, and forewing vary from silvery or creamy white to ocherous buff or even darker. The forewing of whitish specimens often has a faint clay-colored wash on the apical fourth. The hindwing tends to be concolorous with the forewing, but slightly lighter overall. The legs are silvery white, and often heavily dusted with fuscous. This species varies geographically. Many specimens are creamy white, but in some populations they are light brown or tannish overall. Some populations also have individuals with fine blackish specks or spots on the forewing. As of 2021, specimens that we have observed in North Carolina are creamy white. BOLD data suggests that this taxon may contain two cryptic species. Like so many members of the subfamily Blastobasinae, there is much work that needs to be done on this and related taxa. Holcocera concolor is very similar to the whitish forms, but is restricted to Canada and the New England states. The males have a notch at the base of the antenna, but otherwise must be separated using genitalia. Calosima argyrosplendella is also very similar, but is smaller (forewing length < 4.5 mm) and usually paler.	Populations appear to be strongly dependent on Slash Pine and Longleaf Pine for successful reproduction. These species are most commonly found in habitats with sandy soils. Slash Pine is not native, but is widely planted for wood products in southeastern North Carolina. Longleaf Pine grows in sandy areas in both wet and dry situations. It is common in the Sandhills, in wet pine flatwoods and savanna, and many other communities. In the Piedmont, it sometimes grows on xeric slopes.	Heppner (2003) listed Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) and Longleaf Pine (P. palustris) as hosts. Specimens have been observed outside of the range of these species, which suggests that other pines may be used.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S3S4]	As of 2021, we have only three site records for this species, suggesting that it may be uncommon within the state. More detailed information on its distribution, abundance, and habitat requirements are needed before we can assess its conservation status.
Inguromorpha basalis Black-lined Carpenterworm Moth MONA_number: 2659.00	One of four species (one undescribed) of this genus that occur in North America, and the only one that occurs in the Southeast. As with others in the genus, it is among the largest of the micro-moths.	Inguromorpha basalis is easily recognized by the long, thick, hair-like scales that cover much of the body, the reticulated forewings with a black sub-basal fascia and preapical mark, and the characteristic posture where the abdomen is raised high above the wings. The antenna is short and bipectinate, with the setae 2.5-3 times longer than the diameter of the shaft (Naydenov et al., 2023). The head and thorax are grizzled with light gray and blackish scales, with the latter having a triangular hump, and often having a patch of blackish scales on the top. The forewing has a light-gray ground color that is overlain with a reticulated pattern of black to dark-gray lines. The two most prominent black marks include a straight, transverse, sub-basal fascia that extends from the costa to the inner margin, and a crescent-shaped mark that is just below the apex. The fringe of the forewing is gray, while the hindwing is light-gray, with a thin, grayish, reticulated pattern and a gray fringe. The outer portions of the legs are grizzled with gray and black and banded with black.	Specimens in North Carolina have been found in habitats ranging from riparian forests to xeric communities in the Sandhills.	As of 2025, the larvae have not been observed.	The adults are attracted to lights, but since the mouthparts of the adults are rudimentary, they do not feed and 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.	G4 [S2S3]	As of 2025 we have only eight site records for North Carolina, which suggests that this species is uncommon in the state.
Herpetogramma thestealis Zigzag Herpetogramma MONA_number: 5277.00	Over 20 species of Herpetogramma have been described from North America that are based mostly on external morphology. The most recent treatment consolidates these into only nine species (Solis, 2010) and all nine occur in North Carolina. In particular, H. abdominalis is a previously recognized species that occurs in North Carolina, but is now treated as a junior synonym of H. thestealis.	The following description is based in part on that of Handfield and Handfield (2021). The head, thorax, and abdomen are brown, with the abdomen having a narrow white crossband on the posterior margin of each segment. The ground color of the wings is white and is overlain with a complex pattern of dark-brown marks that are clean-cut. The costa of the forewing has a brown shading that extends from the base to the apex. The terminal line is dark brown, and the fringe varies from whitish to light brown with darker spotting near the base on each vein. A white patch is located between the dark-brown, round, orbicular spot and the dark-brown rectangular reniform spot, while a similar patch occurs between the reniform spot and the postmedial line. A short, brown, longitudinal dash is also usually evident between the orbicular and reniform, but displaced inward towards the middle of the wing. The antemedial line is weakly sinuate and strikes the costa just anterior to the orbicular spot. The postmedial line projects inward from the costa at around three-fourths the wing length where it meets an outwardly bulged section with three blunt teeth. From there it projects basally towards the orbicular spot for a short distance, then sharply angles away after approaching the reniform spot and runs obliquely inwards to the inner margin where it sometimes joins the antemedial line. A prominent, toothed, dark-brown subterminal line follows the postmedial line and separates a whitish zone between the postmedial and subterminal lines from a zone of heavy brown dusting between the subterminal line and the outer margin. The hindwing has reduced brown dusting in the subterminal region, lacks the antemedial line, and has a discal spot. The postmedial line and subterminal lines are similar to the ones on the forewing. The fringe is white with brown spotting at the base, and there is a well-defined dark brown terminal line. Handfield and Handfield (2021) reported that a light form exists that is similar to the dark form described above, except that the lines, markings, and wings are paler, especially in the subterminal area, which is yellowish-brown and contrasts with the gray-brown terminal line and deeply-scalloped subterminal line. Herpetogramma pertextalis is similar to H. thestealis in terms of overall patterning, but the latter is darker overall, with a sharp contrast between the dark brown subterminal shade on the forewing and the whitish area between it and the postmedial line. The subterminal shade also noticeably widens as it approaches the costa, with the dark, inward-projecting tooth next to the costa often touching or nearly touching the postmedial line. Herpetogramma thestealis also has a whitish ground color, versus a more light yellowish-tan ground in H. pertextalis, and often has a violet or bluish iridescent sheen that is lacking in H. pertextalis. Finally, the inwardly projecting teeth on the subterminal line are finally tapered and less blunt than those of H. pertextalis. Size differences are also helpful, with H. thestealis being significantly larger than H. pertextalis (wingspan 30-35 mm versus 21-23 mm).	Many of our records are from mesic hardwood forests, with coastal populations often associated with bottomland forests.	This species is polyphagous and feeds mostly on woody species, but occasionally uses forbs (Forbes, 1923; Covell, 1984; Heppner, 2007; Solis, 2008, 2010; Handfield and Handfield, 2011, 2021; Robinson et al., 2010; Beadle and Leckie, 2012). The reported hosts include American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa), American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), Coastal Sweet-pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), hazelnut (Corylus sp.), Mountain Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera), Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), coneflowers (Rudbeckia) and American Basswood (Tilia americana). As of 2024, our only feeding records are for Spotted St. John's-wort (Hypericum punctatum) and Mountain Silverbell.	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 polyphagous species is found statewide and appears to be reasonably secure.
Zomaria rosaochreana Yellow-striped Zomaria MONA_number: 2751.00				Larvae reportedly feed on Shining Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) (Brown et al., 2008), which has been confirmed as a host in North Carolina.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	[GNR] S3S4
Zomaria interruptolineana Broken-line Zomaria MONA_number: 2750.00		This is an easily-recognized tortricid, with resting adults having a reddish thoracic tuft and a broad, inverted, brownish, V-shaped pattern on the basal half of the forewing. The following detailed description is based in part on that of Fernald (1882). The head and palps are ashy gray, while the thorax is a light purplish-gray anteriorly and dark reddish-brown posteriorly, with a stout, dark reddish scale tuft. A light purplish-ashy band extends from the base of the inner margin of the forewing to the costa, where it gradually decreases in width and terminates near the middle of the costa. The purplish-ashy band is paralleled inwardly by a broad, dark, reddish-brown band. The band fades towards the inner margin, and is margined with a thin white line of scales on its outer and terminal margins. The band, along with the concolorous posterior portion of the thorax, produce a distinctive inverted V-shaped pattern on the basal half of the forewing of resting individuals. The remainder of the wing has rather complex patterning, with the most prominent marks being a dark reddish-brown medial fascia that extends inwards from the costa to near the middle of the wing. The fascia has two elongated teeth that extend posteriorly, with the innermost one often meeting a thin concolorous line that extends from the end of the tooth to the outer margin. Another prominent mark is a large, oblong, light reddish-brown patch along the inner margin near the medial fascia that is margined with whitish scales. The fringe is purplish-brown and the hindwings brown.	Most of our records come from residential neighborhoods. Some use of open shrubby areas appears to be true at some high elevation sites, such as the summit of Mt. Mitchell, Clingman's Dome, and Yellow Mountain. Records from the Sandhills may also come from areas where heaths are common. Elsewhere, however, the habitats used are less clear.	Larvae feed on shrubs in the heath and legume families (Brown et al., 2008), including blueberry (Vaccinium) and huckleberry (Gaylussacia) (Heinrich, 1926). In North Carolina, a larva has been reared from Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zimmermannia obrutella None MONA_number: 53.00	Zimmermannia is a genus that contains 17 currently recognized species, many of which were previously placed in the closely related genus Ectoedemia. Five species are currently recognized in the Nearctic region. In their revised classification and catalogue of global Nepticulidae, Nieukerken et al. (2016) recognized Z. obrutella as a new combination that involved the combining of three previously recognized species. These are Ectoedemia. piperella (Wilkinson and Newton, 1981) that was described from Arkansas, E. reneella (Wilkinson, 1981) that occurs in southern Florida, and E. obrutella (Zeller, 1873) that is more widespread in the eastern US.	The following description is based primarily on Braun (1917) and Wilkinson and Newton (1981). The head is pale brown, the antenna fuscous, and the eye caps white. The tufts on the front of head and the vertex are orange-ochreous, and the collar is pale brown. The forewings is pale ocherous to yellow-cream, slightly iridescent, and dusted with coarse brown scales. The dark dusting is more pronounced towards the apex, least evident towards the base of the inner margin, and typically more dense in the male than in the female. The costa often has black scales that are concentrated for a short distance from the base, particularly in the male. The cilia are pale yellowish gray, with a marginal row of dark scales. The underside of the forewing is darker than the hindwing, which is pale grayish, with paler more yellowish cilia. The legs are pale ocherous and the abdomen gray, with a yellowish anal tuft. Populations in southern Florida (previously recognized as Ectoedemia reneella) are totally white or buff with little or no dark dusting.	The habitat is largely unknown. Our one record is from a young, second-growth hardwood forest.	The host species have never been discovered.	Specimens occasionally visit lights.		GNR SU
Zimmermannia mesoloba None MONA_number: 58.00	Zimmermannia mesoloba was previously placed in the genus Ectoedemia; Van Nieukerken et al. (2016) treated Ectoedemia coruscella as a junior synonym of this species.	The following description is based on part on that of Wilkinson and Newton (1981) and Davis (1978), who based his original description on a single male specimen from the Florida Panhandle. This is a very small moth with a forewing length of < 3 mm. The head tuft and frons are densely covered with erect, hairlike scales that vary from a deep straw color to brownish-orange. The maxillary and labial palps are almost entirely whitish, and the antenna is approximately 0.6 times the length of the forewing. The scape (eye cap) and pedicel are whitish and contrast with the remainder of the antenna (flagellum) that is dark brown above and slightly paler below. The thorax is whitish and slightly suffused with brown scales, while the forewing is mostly dark brown to blackish and slightly irrorated with straw-colored to whitish scales. These tend to be concentrated in the cilia, near the middle of wing on the costal half, and in the subapical region along the costa, where they may form weakly differentiated whitish blotches or spots.	The preferred habitats are poorly documented, but this species appears to be associated with hardwood forests.	The hosts are undocumented, but the larvae likely mine the twigs of hardwoods such as oaks (Eiseman, 2022).	The adults are attracted to lights, but perhaps only weakly so.		GNR SU	Zimmermannia mesoloba appears to be rare in North Carolina, but more information is needed on its habitat requirements, distribution and abundance before we can accurately assess its conservation status within the state.
Zelleria retiniella Brindled Zelleria MONA_number: 2431.00		Zelleria retiniella is a small moth that has a distinct pattern, with the bright white head and thorax contrasting with an irregularly banded, orangish and white forewing. The maxillary palp is orange, while the labial palp is mostly white with a prominent, upturned scale tuft. The antenna is white with brown annulations, and the thorax is white, except for a dusting of orange scales on the posterior margin. The forewing has a series of highly irregular, transverse, white and orange bands that often anastomose, with the orange color predominating on the apical third of the wing. The white areas often have a sprinkling of brown scales on them. The outer fringe is white with a sprinkling of dark brown scales at the base and a denser group on the outer margin. The hindwings are dull white, and the legs mostly white with an orange band or two on the tarsi.	Records in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina come mainly from Longleaf Pine habitat, including sand ridges. Pines are also present in a number of other sites in North Carolina where this species has been observed.	The host plants appear to be unknown but a related species, Z. haimbachi, has similar coloration as an adult and has larvae that feed on the needles of Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata (Forbes, 1923).	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 [S4S5]
Zanclognatha theralis Flagged Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8341.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina		Our records come primarily from forested sites, but including both pine and hardwood dominated stands. Few, if any, come from open habitats, including savannas, maritime grasslands, and old fields.	Larvae have been reared from Old Man's Beard (Usnea) (Sigal, cited by Wagner et al., 2011), but other members of this genus typically feed on dead leaves.	Comes to blacklights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S4S5]
Zanclognatha protumnusalis Complex Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8349.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	The ground color is dull, dark fuscous (Forbes, 1954). The antemedian is waved on the veins and strongly excurved. The postmedian is dark and somewhat dentate and the subterminal is usually clear and pale. Zanclognatha obscuripennis is similar in color and has a prominently pale subterminal line. However, the antemedian line in that species runs straight from just below the costa to just before the inner margin. Zanclognatha dentata is also very similar, with some individuals indistinguishable based on outward appearance alone. However, it usually lacks the dark shade in front of the postmedian, which also makes a more rounded bend in from the costa. The reniform spot is usually rounded distally rather than concave (Wagner and McCabe, 2011).	Our records come almost entirely from bottomlands, coves, and mesic slopes.	Wagner et al. (2011) report rearing larvae of this species on dead oak and Black Cherry leaves. In Canada, larvae have been reported feeding on conifer leaves (D. Lafontaine, cited by Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S5]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zanclognatha near lituralis MONA_number: 8340.10	Populations that are currently recognized as Zanclognatha lituralis appear to constitute a species complex composed of at least two species (Rings et al., 1996). Barcoding indicates that there are two distinct genetic groups in North Carolina that differ genetically by more than two percent. The two groups seem to segregate spatially, with true Z. lituralis occurring in the Blue Ridge and western Piedmont, and a second species (here referred to as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis') occurring in the Coastal Plain (J.B. Sullivan, pers. comm.). Specimens from the Blue Ridge and Box Creek Preserve in Rutherford County barcode as true Z. lituralis, while over 20 specimens from several sites in the Coastal Plain all barcode as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Specimens from the central and eastern Piedmont have yet to be barcoded and could possibly be mixtures of both forms. Here, we provisionally treat specimens from the Blue Ridge and western Piedmont as Z. lituralis and those from the Coastal Plain as 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Those from the central and eastern Piedmont are placed in a separate account as members of the Z. lituralis complex. Dissections so far have not shown definitive characters that will separate the two species. In females there are three potential characters that may be helpful. These include the ductus being shorter in true Z. lituralis, the anterior end of the ductus being sclerotized in 'Zanclognatha near lituralis', and the field of cornuti beneath the crenulated anterior end of the bursa being vertically divided in 'Zanclognatha near lituralis'. Macro characters that might help include the average size of specimens and the clarity of the markings on the forewing. More data is need on size, and we encourage submitters to report the front wing lengths of their specimens.
Zanclognatha minoralis None MONA_number: 8343.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina		Our records all come from wet-mesic habitats, including cove forests, northern hardwoods, and riparian forests in the Mountains and swamp forests in the Coastal Plain. We are unsure, however, whether the populations in the Mountains and Coastal Plain represent the same species.	Probably feeds on dead leaves and detritus, like other members of this genus.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]
Chionodes thoraceochrella None MONA_number: 2119.00	The genus Chionodes is the most species rich genus of gelechiid moths in the Western Hemisphere, with 187 recognized species. Our knowledge of the diverse array of species in North America is largely due to the monumental work of Hodges (1999), who spend decades working on the group and described 115 new species (Powell and Opler, 2009). Many exhibit substantial variation within species and have drab coloration, typically with brown, dark gray, or blackish patterning on the forewings. These can only be confidently identified by examining secondary sexual characteristics and/or the genitalia of one or both sexes. Others are more boldly marked and can be identified by wing patterning. Many of our state records are based on Hodges (1999) database of over 19,000 specimens that he examined from major collections in the US. These include North Carolina specimens that he collected mostly from Highlands, and from a few other areas within the state.	The following is based in part on the description by Hodges (1999). The head and thorax are pale yellowish gray, and the antenna dark brown with pale and dark brown annulations. The labial palp is mainly dark grayish brown, with the apex of the second segment medium orangish gray. The third segment is mainly dark brown, but with scattered yellowish-white mottling beyond two-fifths, and a yellowish white tip. The forewing is often dark gray with scattered blackish blotches, but individuals are often lighter and have a slightly blotched appearance with pale yellowish-gray, orange-brown, or off-white scales. North Carolina specimens can be dark, but are often lighter and frequently have a posteriorly oblique, irregular dark band that begins on the costa at about one-third and terminates before reaching the inner margin. A dark costal spot is present at about four-fifths that is followed by a pale blotch that is often part of a posteriorly angled pale fascia. The dorsal surface of the abdomen is medium gray and overlain with paler scales on Tl and T2. The posterior margin of each tergum is pale gray. The upper portion of the legs are mottled with pale gray and dark brown, while the tarsi are dark brown with pale annulations. The foreleg is more boldly marked than the remaining two. The forewing patterning is variable on this species and individuals are best identified by dissection.	The larvae appear to specialize on oaks and our records are mostly from areas with hardwood forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests.	The larvae feed on oaks (Hodges, 1999) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia). The known oak hosts include White Oak (Quercus alba), Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor), and Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra). Other oak species are undoubtedly used given the wide range of this species. Records of this species using Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and the catkins of Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in the eastern US are questionable and need to be verified (Hodges, 1999).	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 [S4S5]	Hodges (1999) noted that this may be one of the most common gelechiid moths in the eastern US. It appears to be secure within the state.
Chimoptesis gerulae Carrier Moth MONA_number: 3272.00	Chimoptesis is a largely neotropical genus with 25 described species, four of which occur in the US (Razowski and Becker, 2015).	The following description is based primarily on that of Heinrich (1923). The palps, antennae, and the crest on the crown of the head are grayish fuscous (Heinrich, 1923). The ground color of the forewing varies from grayish brown to dull ocherous-fuscous, with a whitish median patch on the dorsal margin (sometimes obscure) that extends inward to about one-third of the wing width. The white patch is preceded by a broad area of black that commonly extends from the wing base to the patch and covers the dorsal two-thirds or more of the wing. Immediately behind the patch is a narrower band of black that extends along the dorsal margin. A narrow arc of black extends from the median area of the costa obliquely to near the middle of the wing, then projects backwards to the apex. The costal portion is often fused or partially fused with the second black band behind the central white patch to produce a complete fascia. The costal edge within the arc has 3-4 short oblique dark streaks, and the apex usually has a dark costal spot. The ocellar region is rather poorly expressed and typically paler than the surrounding ground, and there are two or three faint black horizontal dashes in the ocellus. The hindwing is pale smoky fuscous. Chimoptesis pennsylvaniana, which flies at the same time, is similar but has a much more conspicuous area of white or greenish-white running along the dorsal margin. Unlike C. pennsylvaniana, the palps and crests are not contrasting.	Most of our records are from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods and other partially shaded habitats.	The host plants are undocumented, but other Chimoptesis feed on oaks.	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 S4S5	This species appears to be secure within the state.
Prionoxystus robiniae Carpenterworm Moth MONA_number: 2693.00	One of three members of the genus in North America, two of which are found in North Carolina. It is among the largest of the "micro-moths."	Sexually dimorphic. Both sexes possess a thick abdomen, broad thorax, and disproportionally small head with pectinate antennae. The forewings of the female are black and heavily mottled with black-centered gray spots and blotches, while the hindwings are translucent gray. Males are smaller with narrower, more attenuated forewings that show similar markings but appear noticeably blacker overall. The hindwings of the male have a straighter outer margin and are reddish-orange to yellow, bordered in black. Differentiated from P. macmurtrei by less translucent gray-spotted rather than black-striated forewings.	Most of our records come from stands of hardwoods growing in bottomlands or mesic slopes. A few, however, come from xeric sites, including maritime forests, sandhills, and dry ridge tops.	The larvae bore into the wood of a wide variety of deciduous trees (Forbes, 1923; Craighead et al., 1950; English, 1958; Prentice, 1966; Baker, 1972; Covell, 1984; Covell, 2005; Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010). The reported hosts include Box-elder (Acer negundo), Groundsel-tree (Baccharis halimifolia), American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), Sweet Chestnut (C. sativa), Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), fig (Ficus), Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera), Eastern Cottonwood (P. deltoides), Quaking Aspen (P. tremuloides), White Oak (Quercus alba), Turkey Oak (Q. laevis), Live Oak (Q. virginiana), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), willows (Salix), American Elm (Ulmus americana), and English Elm (U. procera).	Both sexes attracted to lights, though females are seen more commonly than males. 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 [S5]	This species is widespread in North Carolina and uses a wide variety of habitats, some very common. Consequently, it appears to be secure within the state.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zanclognatha marcidilinea Yellowish Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8352.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Formerly, this species was identified as "jacchusalis" (e.g., see Forbes, 1956; Hodges et al., 1983; Covell, 1984), but was re-identified as "marcidilinea" by Lafontaine and Honey (2009) (see also Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), based on an examination of the type specimen. As another result of this analysis, the name "jacchusalis" was re-applied to the species that had formerly been known as "ochreipennis".	One of the larger species of Zanclognatha, marcidilinea is pale luteous- or gray-brown that is lightly and evenly dusted with fuscous scales (Forbes, 1954). The antemedian is waved and the postmedian is slightly dentate; both are fairly weakly marked. The subterminal is the strongest marking and is straight and yellow (Forbes, 1954; Lafontaine and Honey, 2009). Jacchusalis, as now known, is more ochre and more heavily dusted or mottled with brown; it also has a more deeply dentate postmedian line (Forbes, 1954; Lafontaine and Honey, 2009). In general, the antemedian and postmedian are both much more prominent in jacchusalis, but the subterminal is thinner, with a preceding dark shade (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.).	Our records come from both wet-mesic and dry-xeric stands of hardwoods	Larvae may feed on dead leaves and detritus like other members of this genus		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S4S5]
Zanclognatha jacchusalis Wavy-lined Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8353.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Formerly, this species was identified as "ochreipennis" (e.g., see Forbes, 1956; Hodges et al., 1983; Covell, 1984), but was re-identified as "jacchusalis" by Lafontaine and Honey (2009) (see also Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010), based on an examination of the type specimen. As another result of this analysis, the name "marcidilinea" was re-applied to the species that had formerly been known as "jacchusalis".	One of the larger species of Zanclognatha, jaccusalis is yellowish- or orange-brown that is heavily speckled or mottled with dark brown; the antemedian line is waved and the postmedian line is deeply dentate on the veins; the subterminal is prominent, straight, and with a dark shade preceding the luteous line (Forbes, 1954; Lafontaine and Honey, 2009). Marcidilinea, as now defined, is a paler gray brown, is more finely dusted, and has a more shallowly dentate, less prominent postmedian (Forbes, 1954; Lafontaine and Honey, 2009). The subterminal of marcidilinea also tends to be broader and lacks the preceding dark line (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.).	Wagner et al. (2011) list barrens, oak woodlands, and forests as the habitat of this species. Most of our records come from wet to mesic hardwoods, however, including riparian and cove forests and northern hardwoods.	Larvae have been reared on dead oak leaves in captivity and presumably feed on dead leaves and detritus (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]
Zanclognatha cruralis Early Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8351.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	This species and Z. obscuripennis are very similar in size and markings. The lines in both species are generally strongly marked and even rather than waved. The antemedian is bent just below the costa but otherwise runs fairly straight across the wings; the postmedian is sinuous but not dentate, and the subterminal is straight and typically conspicuous. Forbes (1954) describes cruralis as pale clay color to light fuscous, particularly in the first brood; second brood individuals can be much darker. The subterminal line is characteristically dark and contrasting with the paler ground color; if bordered by a pale line, the dark line is much more prominent. In Z. obscuripennis, the ground color of the forewings is typically darker, with the pale line of the subterminal more prominent.	Our records come mainly from wet to mesic hardwood forests, including bottomland hardwoods, mesic slopes, cove forests, and northern hardwoods. Only a few come from xeric woodlands, such as maritime forests or sand ridges.	Larvae have been found on a wide variety of plant species, including hardwood trees and shrubs, forbs, and conifers. Wagner et al. (2011) specifically list beech (Fagus), hazel (Corylus), hemlock (Tsuga), maple (Acer), nettle (Urtica), and Red Spruce (Picea rubens). While dead and wilted leaves are readily eaten in captivity, this species is also frequently found up in foliage rather than on the ground as in other members of this genus.	Comes to blacklights. Larvae are frequently found by beating foliage.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Zanclognatha atrilineella Black-lined Zanclognatha MONA_number: 8346.00	One of thirteen species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010; 2013; Wagner and McCabe, 2011), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	A strikingly and distinctively banded Deltoid. The ground color is pale whitish or gray, crossed by dark brown antemedan, postmedian, and subterminal bands. The antemedian and subterminal are straight but the postmedian makes an outward curve around the cell; the postmedian and subterminal are bordered by a pale stripe on the outer side. The reniform spot is the same dark shade as the lines. Zanclognatha laevigata has some forms that have strong brown bands, but is larger and has a subterminal line that is waved rather than straight.	Our records all come from riparian habitats, including both swamp forests and bottomland hardwoods.	Hosts are apparently unknown, but a number of species in this genus have been reared on dead leaves and other detritus (Wagner et al., 2011).	All of our specimens were collected using blacklight traps. However, we do not have enough records for this species to estimate how well it comes to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GU S2S3	We have only a few records for this species, which appears to be a least somewhat specialized in terms of its habitats. However, its habitats themselves do not appear to be rare within the state and without knowing more about its host plants and other possible limiting factors, it is difficult to assess the conservation status of this species in North Carolina.
Zale new species near buchholzi MONA_number: 8706.10				Host plants are unknown.			GNR SNR [S2S3]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zale fictilis None MONA_number: 8687.00	One of 39 species in this genus that occur north of Mexico, 23 of which have been recorded in North Carolina	A grayish brown Zale. Males tend to be grayish, with few contrasting areas, and are unlikely to be confused other species of our Zales. Females, however, are browner and more similar to the brown forms of lunata. The most diagnostic mark (Smith, 1908) appears to be the postmedian, which is a fine, single, dentate line in fictilis but is doubled and less sharply cusped in lunata, particularly between the cell and the inner margin. The reniform is also outlined by yellowish scales in fictilis but not outlined at all in lunata (Smith, 1908).	The sole North Carolina record is from a Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp	Larvae have been reported on Citrus in the Caribbean (Robinson et al., 2010). While one member of the Rutaceae - Hercules' Club (Zanthoxylum clava-hercules) - is native to maritime forests and shell middens along the North Carolina coast, it is unlikely to occur at the inland swamp forest where our one specimen of Z. fictilis was collected.	Collected using 15 watt blacklight trap; like other Zale species, probably comes better to bait than to light.	Not given any legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SU	Too little is known about the residency status (it may be just a rare migrant or stray), distribution, or habitat associations to determine the conservation status of this species in North Carolina. Currently, it seems best to place it on the NHP Watchlist until more can be learned.
Ypsolopha falciferella Scythed Ypsolopha MONA_number: 2380.00	Ypsolopha falciferella is a widely distributed species that shows evidence of possibly consisting of more than one species (BOLD). This genus in general contains numerous geographically variable forms in North America and is in need of a thorough systematic evaluation.	Ypsolopha falciferella is a powdery grayish-brown moth with very long and narrow wings and tufted labial palps that project forward. The general body shape resembles that of some of our grass-veneers. The following description is based in part on that of Walsingham (1881), who described specimens from California and Oregon. The head and labial palps are speckled gray, and the tufted palps projecting forward more than twice the length of the head. The forewing is narrow and around four times as long as wide, with the width only slightly increasing from the base to the outer margin. The apex is strongly falcate and the anal angle well defined. The cilia along the outer margin are shorter and darker near the middle, which produces a concave cavity of sorts. Fresh specimens usually have a series of raised scale tufts along the inner margin. The forewing ground color varies from grayish-white to grayish-brown and has two irregularly-margined, parallel, brownish bands. The first extends obliquely from the inner margin at around one-fourth the wing length to the costa at around one-half the length, while the second extends from the inner margin just beyond the one-half and typically terminate near or just beyond the middle of the wing. It sometimes connects to a posteriorly oblique band that extends from the costa at around one-half, with the ends of both meeting at their tips near the middle of the wing. Individuals vary substantially in the dark patterning on the wings, so expect deviations from the description above. The hindwing and cilia vary from light brown to pale cinereous.	As of 2025, our records are from deciduous forests with edge habitat.	The larvae appear to specialize on members of the Rosaceae, with the reported hosts including apple (Malus), Fire Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), Choke Cherry (P. virginiana), and mountain-ash (Sorbus) (Robinson et al., 2023).	The adults are attracted to lights.	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S2S3]	This species appears to reach the southern limit of its range in the eastern US in North Carolina. Populations here appear to be disjunct from the main range that is found farther north in Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.
Ymeldia janae Jane's Ymeldia MONA_number: 2216.00		Ymeldia janae is a small, mostly brownish moth with a forewing that is heavily peppered with dark-brown and orangish-brown dots, and has a series of dark streaks near the middle of the wing. The following description is based mostly on that of Hodges (1965), who described specimens from Florida. The labial palp is slightly recurved, with an acute apex that just reaches the vertex. The second segment is slightly longer than the third, and has a broad black band on the basal half and a narrow black band below the apex. The third segment has a black band at one-fifth, three-fifths, and at the apex. The frons is white with dark-gray tipped scales, and the vertex grayish-brown. The antenna has an orangish shaft with black on the basal half of many segments. There are three black bands of two segments each between the two-thirds and the apex ,with the latter being orangish-white. The thorax is brownish-gray, with three diffuse, faint, dark spots on the posterior end. The forewing ground is white and heavily peppered with a mixture of brownish-gray, orange and orangish-brown scales. The most conspicuous dark marks are a pair of thick, black, longitudinal dashes or spots at around two-fifths the wing length and located near the center of the wing, and a similar and often more elongated dash at around two-thirds, and in line with the more costal dash of the first pair. A diffuse dark blotch is present at the apex. Scattered streaks of orange scales are also present over the wing, and the hindwing is grayish-red. The legs are white, with the metathoracic tibia having an oblique black streak on the outer surface at one-fifth, and another streak on the outer surface from one-half to near the apex. The first tarsal segment has a broad black band at the middle, while the second and fourth have a basal black band. The third segment is black on the dorsal and outer surfaces, and the fifth segment is white. Specimens from North Carolina deviate substantially from the description above, with the most obvious difference being the antenna shaft that has three elongated dark bands on the apical third. Hodges (1965) described these as consisting of two segments, while North Carolina specimens have around five segments in each band (also see MPG and iNaturalist specimens that are similar). Another difference is that North Carolina specimens have greatly reduced orange scaling on the forewing compared with those examined and described by Hodges (1965) from a single site in Florida. Specimens with the elongated bars on the antennae and reduced orange scaling are common in Florida and the Gulf Coast states. We are uncertain if these represent an undescribed species, or perhaps simply geographic variation in patterning and coloration. The former seems more likely, but more study is needed to resolve the issue.	As of 2025, all of our habitats are from sandy, xeric communities.	The only reported host is for Wild-Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum), which is a native legume that is found in southern Florida (Heppner, 2003).	The adults are attracted to lights.		GNR [S2]	This species appears to be rare in North Carolina and part of a northern disjunction population.
Xylomoia chagnoni Reed Canary Grass Borer Moth MONA_number: 9433.00			Our two records come from riparian habitats in the Mountains.	Larvae feed on Reed Canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea) (Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [SU]	This is a northern species with our records representing what appears to be a disjunct population, possibly reaching our area along the New River/Ohio River drainage. Its host plant, however, is widespread in the Mountains and the moth should be looked for in areas further to the south.
Xylesthia n. sp. MONA_number: 317.96				Hosts are unknown.
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Xubida panalope Many-lined Grass-veneer MONA_number: 5500.00		A small, cream-colored Crambid. The veins are marked with fine dark lines, with heavier dark streaks in the interspaces (Forbes, 1923); the streak opposite the cell is faint, however, compared to those in the other interspaces (Dyar, cited by Klots, 1970). Transverse lines are absent but there is a series of dark spots along the terminus. The discal spot is also dark but ringed with white. The hindwings are nearly white. Xubida linearella is similar in pattern and color but the veins in the interspaces beyond the cell are all similar in shading (Klots, 1970). Eoreuma densellus is also similar in size, color, and pattern but the veins are white and bounded by dark.	The majority of our records come from wet, open lakeshore or riparian habitats.	Larval host plants appear to be unknown. Klots (1970) states that many species in this group are borers in the soft stems of monocots.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4
Xubida linearella X-linear Grass-veneer MONA_number: 5499.00		According to Klots (1970): In color and pattern it is not always easy to distinguish from the likewise common, widespread X. panalope, but its markings tend to be a grayer brown and wider and more diffuse; while panalope tends to have the intervenous dark line beyond the cell, in cell Mi, lighter than the adjacent intervenous dark lines.		Host plants are apparently unknown.
Xestia smithii Smith's Dart MONA_number: 10944.00				Larvae are polyphagous, with reported hosts including alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), strawberry (Fragaria), apple (Malus), passionflower (Passiflora), cherry (Prunus), dock (Rumex), elderberry (Sambucus), Viburnum, Viola, and grape (Vitis) (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]
Xestia praevia Praevia Dart MONA_number: 10968.10		This species is similar to Xestia elimata in its markings but has a darker gray ground color, which is often suffused with reddish (Lafontaine, 1998). The transverse lines can also be relatively obscure. It is also smaller and flies in the summer rather than the fall and early winter. For specimens observed in late summer, size is probably the most reliable way of distinguishing this species.		Larvae feed on a wide range of conifers, including fir (Abies), larch (Larix), spruce (Picea), pine (Pinus), and hemlock (Tsuga) (Wagner et al., 2011).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G4 SNR [S3S4]
Xestia normanianus Norman's Dart MONA_number: 10943.00				Larvae are polyphagous, with reported hosts including Sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina), cherry (Prunus), meadowsweet (Spiraea), and blueberry (Vaccinium) (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]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Xestia elimata Southern Variable Dart MONA_number: 10967.00				Larvae feed on pines, including Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata), Longleaf Pine (P. palustris), Red Pine (P. resinosa), Pitch Pine (P. rigida), Loblolly Pine (P. taeda), and Virginia Pine (P. virginiana) (Wagner et al., 2011). Other reported hosts include Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and Red Spruce (Picea rubens) (Robinson et al., 2010).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Xestia dolosa Greater Black-letter Dart MONA_number: 10942.10			Fields, barrens, woodlands, forests, and other closed and open habitats (Wagner et al., 2011). In North Carolina, records come primarily from mesic forests in the Mountains and from a wider set of barrens and forests in the eastern part of the state.	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of forbs, grasses, and low-growing woody plants (Wagner et al., 2011); records also exist from apple (Malus), currant (Ribes), and pear (Pyrus).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]
Xestia c-nigrum Lesser Black-letter Dart MONA_number: 10942.00				Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of plants, including many cultivated species. Reported hosts include alfalfa, barley, blueberry, chokeberry, clover, corn, cranberry, dandelion, flax, goldenrod, grape, lettuce, maple, nettle, oats, pear, sunflower, tobacco, tomato, viburnum, and wheat (Crumb, 1932; Robinson et al., 2010).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]
Xestia dilucida Dull Reddish Dart MONA_number: 10969.00			Most of our records come from dry, rocky or sandy habitats but there are at least a few from low-lying flatwoods.	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on blueberry (Vaccinium), huckleberry (Gaylussacia), and probably other heaths (Wagner et al., 2011). Robinson et al. (2010) also list larch (Larix) and spruce (Picea), but these records are likely the result of confusion with other species of Xestia.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Xestia badicollis Northern Variable Dart MONA_number: 10968.00		This northern species is similar in appearance to Xestia elimata but is smaller and has a more mottled, frosty appearance (Lafontaine, 1998). Xesia praevia is more similar in both size and markings but has a darker gray ground color or is flushed with reddish brown; it also flies in the summer rather than the fall and winter. For specimens observed in late fall, wing length measurements provide the most reliable way of distinguishing this species from the much more common X. elimata.		Larvae feed on conifers, including fir (Abies), larch (Larix), spruce (Picea), White Pine (Pinus strobus) and other pines, and hemlock (Tsuga) (Wagner, 2005). According to Lafontaine (1998), White Pine is its main host plant.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S1S2]
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Xenotemna pallorana Pallid Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3693.00				Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants. Reported hosts include Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), apple (Malus), asters, cherry (Prunus), clover (Trifolium), elm (Ulmus), goldenrod (Solidago), pine (Pinus), rose (Rosa), strawberry (Fragaria), and St. John's-wort (Hypericum) (Robinson et al., 2010). On BugGuide, MJ Hatfield has rearing records for Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba), and White Sweetclover (Melilotus albus). The host plants used in North Carolina are unknown.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Xenolechia ontariensis MONA_number: 1878.00				Reported hosts include oak (Quercus) and Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) (Seifert et al., 2021).
Xenolechia aethiops None MONA_number: 1875.00				Larvae reportedly feed on heaths (Erica spp.) (Eiseman, 2022).
Xanthotype urticaria False Crocus Geometer MONA_number: 6740.00			North Carolina records come mainly from the Mountains where it has been found in high elevation hardwood forests, meadows, and bogs. In the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, it has been recorded primarily from riparian, lake, and pond shoreline habitats.	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants but apparently not on conifers. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list Chrysanthemum, Sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina), dogwood (Cornus), Rhododendron, currant (Ribes), rose (Rosa), goldenrod (Solidago), meadowsweet (Spiraea), and blueberry (Vaccinium).		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]
Xanthotype sospeta Crocus Geometer MONA_number: 6743.00			North Carolina records come primarily from the Mountains, particularly high elevation forests and cove forests but also from bogs and other herb-dominated habitats.	Polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants but apparently not on conifers. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list maple (Acer), hickory (Carya), New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), Chrysanthemum, dogwood (Cornus), Gladiolus, mint (Mentha), cherry (Prunus), currant (Ribes), rose (Rosa), meadowsweet (Spiraea), American Basswood (Tilia americana), elm (Ulmus), blueberry (Vaccinium), and Viburnum. 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
Xanthotype attenuaria None MONA_number: 6744.00			Our records come primarily from mesic and bottomland hardwood forests in the Coastal Plain.	Host plants are apparently unknown (Rindge, 1978). There is a BugGuide record (George Smiley, 2023) of a larva reared from White Panicle Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) in Texas, but it is not clear how the species was verified.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S4]
Xanthorhoe packardata Packard's Carpet MONA_number: 7369.00			Our records come from Northern Hardwoods and Cove Forests.	Host plants are apparently unknown for this species.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S2S3]
Xanthorhoe new species near lacustrata MONA_number: 7390.01		This is an undescribed species that is virtually identical to X. lacustrata and that was documented by Bo Sullivan in Ashe County. It is best identified by genitalia or barcoding, with the female genitalia being most distinctive. As of 2025, this species is currently known from three sites in western North Carolina and in nearby Tennessee. It is typically found above 4000' or slightly lower on north-facing slopes. In general it seems to be slightly larger and more brightly colored, but these features are not diagnostic (J.B. Sullivan, pers. comm.).		Host plants are unknown.			GNR SNR [SU]
Xanthorhoe labradorensis Labrador Carpet MONA_number: 7368.00			Most of our records come from high elevation forests and cove forests, but we also some from riparian habitats at lower elevations along the New River.	Larvae have been reported on Alyssum and Lobularia (Robinson et al., 2010), but these genera are not native to North America and are doubtfully established in North Carolina. Other members of the Brassicaceae seem more likely to be used here but host plants in general need to be determined for this species.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S1S3]
Xanthorhoe iduata Broken-banded Carpet MONA_number: 7371.00		The ground color is whitish gray, usually without any red or brown shading (Forbes, 1948). The median area is blackish and strongly contrasting with the ground color, especially towards the costa, often forming a roundish or squarish patch. The lines are regularly scalloped, including the subterminal, which is usually white. A pair of dark spots are located in the subterminal area just beyond the cell. The outer margin is shaded with dark gray.	Our records all come from Northern Hardwoods and Cove Forests.	Host plants are apparently unknown.		Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S2S3]