Moths of North Carolina

sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
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Apameine new genus 2 sp. 2 A Cane Borer MONA_number: 9454.13		...	...	...	...		GNR SNR [S3S4]	...
Hyperstrotia aetheria None MONA_number: 9036.00	One of five species in this genus found in North America north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), all of which have been recorded in North Carolina	A small, white, black, and brown marked Graylet. The ground color is white to pale gray. The antemedian and postmedian lines are both pure white, narrow, and edged medially by black. A solid black spo...	Our records come primarily from Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhills, with a few from other types of dry oak woodlands. In almost all cases, however, a beaver pond, Carolina Bay, or some other wetlands were locat...	Host plants are apparently undocumented but some species of xerophytic oak seems likely, with Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana) found at most, if not all of the sites where this moth has been recor...	All of our records come from blacklight traps or sheets....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3?	This species appears to have a restricted geographic range in North Carolina and occupies a narrow range of habitats. Further information is needed on its host plants and its distribution within the O...
Dasychira meridionalis Southern Tussock Moth MONA_number: 8298.00	One of 16 species in this genus that occur in North America, 10 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Ferguson (1978) treated meridionalis as a full species; formerly, it was considered a subspecies of basiflava (e.g., in Forbes, 1948). Ferguson also described three subspecies of meridionalis, of which D. meridionalis memorata occurs in North Carolina.	Dasychira meridionalis is similar in color and pattern to D. basiflava but slightly smaller: the length of the forewing for the paratypes ranges between 13 and 17 mm for males (up to 18mm in males of ...	Nearly all of our records come from swamp forests or bottomland hardwoods in the Coastal Plain. None come from peatlands and the few records we have from drier Longleaf Pine habitats are located near ...	Ferguson (1978) and Wagner (2005) both state that oaks are host plants. Ferguson also mentions that Louisiana specimens were reared on Chinese Elm. Based on our habitat records, members of the Laurel ...	Our records for adults all come from 15 watt UV light traps; they do not feed, so do not come to bait or to flowers. Larvae are distinctive and should be looked for on low-growing trees and shrubs. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4G5 SNR [S3S4]	This species appears to be a specialist on floodplain forests in the Coastal Plain, but these habitats are still widespread and the species currently appears to be secure in the state....
Caloptilia belfragella Dogwood Caloptilia MONA_number: 594.00		The following is based in part on the original description by Chambers (1875a). The head is purplish brown except for the white face. The labial palp is white, with a dark dot on the tip of the seco...	Both the hosts and habitats are poorly documented. The larvae depend on dogwoods (genus Swida; formerly Cornus), and our native species include ones that inhabit alluvial floodplains and...	The only known host are Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Swida alternifolia), Silky Dogwood (S. amomum) and Rough-leaf dogwood (S. drummondii). Records of this species feeding on Sumac (	The adults occasionally visit lights, and the rolled leaves are easy to spot on native dogwoods. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SU	...
Acronicta sinescripta None MONA_number: 9272.10	One of 74 species in this genus found in North America north of Mexico (Schmidt and Anweiler, 2020), 42 of which have been recorded in North Carolina. Acronicta sinescripta is a member of Species Group V of Forbes (1954), which in North Carolina also includes A. impleta, A. noctivaga, A. impressa, A. longa, A. oblinita, and A. lanceolaria.	A medium sized, pale gray Acronicta. A. sinescripta is similar to both A. oblinita and A. lanceolaria in possessing narrow forewings with little or no transverse lines, an...	Our records all come from Longleaf Pine Savannas. In Florida and Louisiana, records come from Pitcher Plant bogs, which are likely to have a similar composition of herbaceous plants to our coastal sa...	Host plants are apparently unknown (Ferguson, 1988). Schweitzer et al. (2011), erroneously state that Ferguson had reported the host plant as possibly Froelichia arizonica, but that record, alo...	All of our records come from blacklight traps, but Schweitzer et al. (2011) suggest that it is very difficult to trap except possibly where mercury vapor is used. They were also unaware that any recor...	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 SH	Although Acronicta sinescripta may turn out to be difficult to observe, partially accounting for its apparent rarity, it nonetheless appears to be strongly dependent on high quality Longleaf Pi...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Coleotechnites apicitripunctella Green Hemlock Needleminer Moth MONA_number: 1789.00	The genus Coleotechnites includes 49 very small species that occur in North America. Most species are specialists on conifers and tend to use on a single genus of host plant. Many of the Coleotechnites species have almost identical genitalia that are not very useful in delineating closely related forms (Freeman, 1960; 1965). Freeman (1960) noted that host plants and the mining characteristics often provide the most reliable way to identify closely related species.	The following description is based in part on the original description by Clemens (1860b). The head, face and thorax are ocherous, and the thorax usually has two or three dark dots near the posterior...	This species is a specialist on Eastern Hemlock, which is most commonly found in cool, moist ravines and similar forested sites....	Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is the only known host (Forbes, 1923; Schaffner, 1959; Prentice, 1966), but Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana) could potentially be a host for southe...	We recommend searching for the webbed leaves during winter and spring. The color of the caterpillars should be checked to verify that they are green with dark heads and prothoracic shields. Coleote...		GNR S2S3	This species was only recently discovered in North Carolina, and more information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we can assess its conservation status. This and other species that ...
Dichomeris punctipennella Many-spotted Dichomeris MONA_number: 2288.00		...	...	Host plants are poorly documented. Charley Eiseman has a BugGuide record for a larva on Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) in Massachusetts....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Cenopis directana Chokecherry Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3722.00	The genus Cenopis has 19 described species. Seventeen of these are restricted to North America, and all 17 occur in the eastern United States (Brown and Sullivan, 2018). Males of Cenopis are easily distinguished from those of Sparganothis by the presence of complex scaling on the frons of the head that forms an unusual “hood” of scales. The males also have a deeply invaginated or folded anal area of the hindwing that bears a distinctive hair pencil.	Cenopis directana exhibits marked phenotypic variation that reflects individual variation, sexual dimorphism, and geographic variation across its broad range (Powell and Brown, 2012). The head,...	Local populations are typically found in or near hardwood forests, along forest edges, and in early successional habitats. Many of our records are from mesic forests, but also from coastal dune habita...	The larvae are polyphagous and feed primarily on trees and shrubs (McDunnough, 1933; MacKay, 1962; Prentice, 1966; Godfrey et al., 1987; Wagner et al., 1995; Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010; Powe...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S3S4]	We have records for scattered populations across the state, but more information is needed on host use, distribution and abundance before we can accurately assess the conservation status of this speci...
Oidaematophorus eupatorii Eupatorium Plume Moth MONA_number: 6168.00		Identifiable through photographs (D. Lott, pers. comm. to JBS)....	...	Reported hosts include willowherb (Epilobium), thoroughwort (Eupatorium), and Sweet Joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium purpureum) (Godfrey et al., 1987; Matthews et al., 1990)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Taygete attributella Triangle-marked Twirler MONA_number: 1842.00	Taygete is a small genus 18 species that are mostly found in the neotropics and the western and southwestern US.	The following is based primarily on the descriptions by Chambers (1872) and Forbes (1923). The head and thorax are fuscous and rather heavily scaled, while the antenna are dark brown, rather stout, an...	The preferred habitats are poorly documented. Most of our records are from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods. ...	The host species are undocumented. ...	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 [S3S5]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Coleotechnites atrupictella None MONA_number: 1792.00	The genus Coleotechnites includes 49 very small species that occur in North America. Most species are specialists on conifers and tend to use on a single genus of host plant. Many of the Coleotechnites species have almost identical genitalia that are not very useful in delineating closely related forms (Freeman, 1960; 1965). Freeman (1960) noted that host plants and the mining characteristics often provide the most reliable way to identify closely related species.	The following is based in part on the description by Dietz (1900). The labial palp is ashy gray with a series of dark bands on the second and third joint. The second joint has a brush of bristly hairs...	In eastern North America the larvae feed on spruce and fir trees, and probably hemlocks. We have records from the high mountains in regions with spruce-fir forests, but also from a lower elevation sit...	This wide-ranging species uses a variety of conifers that are found in Canada and the West Coast states (Prentice, 1966; Robinson et al., 2010). These include Balsam Fir ( Abies balsamea), Gran...	The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed on host use in North Carolina, so we encourage naturalists to search for the larvae on young growth. ...		GNR [S2S3]	We have an apparent southern disjunct of this species in western North Carolina. More information is needed on the host use, distribution, and abundance of this species within the state before we can ...
Acrolophus arcanella Arcane Grass Tubeworm Moth MONA_number: 340.00	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 description is based in part on that in Hasbrouck (1964). The labial palp of the male is intermediate in length relative to other Acrolophus species and extends to the upper head ...	This species is generally associated with more open, sunny habitats such as meadows, hedgerows, gardens and agricultural fields (Forbes, 1890; 1903). ...	The larvae specialize on the roots of grasses and perhaps certain herbs. The reported hosts include domesticated corn, wheat, and strawberries (Fragaria spp.) (Robinson et al., 2010). ...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SU	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species to assess its conservation status. ...
Phaeoura quernaria Oak Beauty Moth MONA_number: 6763.00		...	Our records come from maritime forests, Longleaf pine communities, riverine and non-riverine swamp forests, mesic hardwood slopes, cove forests, and high elevation forests...	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on many species of hardwood trees and shrubs. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list birch (Betula), ash (Fraxinus), poplar (Populus), cherry (P...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	...
Orthosia hibisci Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth MONA_number: 10495.00	One of 22 species (two others provisional) that occur in this genus north of Mexico (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 210); five have been recorded in North Carolina	Very similar in coloration and patterning to alurina but usually has a continuous and distinct pale subterminal preceded by dark bars (Forbes, 1954)....	Our records come from all types of hardwood forests across the state, from maritime forest on the barrier islands to northern hardwoods on the tops of our highest peaks....	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on both hardwoods, conifers, and shrubs. Wagner et al. (2011) specifically list maple (Acer), birch (Betula), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), a...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	...
Metaxaglaea viatica Roadside Sallow MONA_number: 9944.00	One of five species in this genus that occur in North America, all of which have been recorded in North Carolina.	Metaxaglaea viatica, violacea, and semitaria are all medium-large Noctuids with similar wing patterns: dentate postmedian and antemedian lines; large, red-encircled orbicular and reniform spots and a ...	Our records come from a variety of habitats, including Maritime Forests, Longleaf Pine Savannas and Sandhills, lakeshores and swamps, and upland ridges....	Larvae are polyphagous, probably feeding primarily on members of the Rosaceae, and have been found in the wild on apple (Malus), chokeberry (Aronia), and mountain-ash (Sorbus) (Wa...	Like other Metaxaglaea, this species appears to come well to both blacklights and bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S3S4]	With a statewide distribution, association with a number of common host plants and common habitats -- including residential areas -- this species appears to be secure within the state....
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Baileya ophthalmica Eyed Baileya MONA_number: 8970.00		...	Our records come primarily from wet-mesic forests but there are also some from drier ridges and summits....	Larvae feed on American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), American Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), American Hazelnut (Corylus americana), and Beaked Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta<...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	...
Agnorisma badinodis Pale-banded Dart MONA_number: 10955.00		The head, thorax, and ground of the forewings range in color from gray to light brown. The antemedian is pale with some dark shading on its medial side. In this species, the antemedian slants rearward...	Habitats include forests, fields, and wastelands (Wagner et al., 2011)...	Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of forbs, shrubs, and small trees, including Viburnum (Wagner et al., 2011). Crumb (1956) specifically lists tobacco, dock (Rumex), chic...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	...
Pangrapta New Species 2 MONA_number: 8490.03		...	...	Host plants are unknown, but Pangrapta decoralis feeds on heaths....	...		GNR SNR [S2S3]	...
Olethreutes nigranum Variable Nigranum Moth MONA_number: 2800.00	Olethreutes is a large genus with over 130 recognized species worldwide. North America has around 80 recognized species, with at least 37 species occurring in North Carolina. Some species are very difficult to identify due to interspecific similarities in color and forewing pattern and only subtle differences in genitalia (Gilligan et al., 2008). In many instances, knowledge of the host plant is essential for a confident determination. All of the Nearctic species are leaf-tiers or leaf-rollers on deciduous trees and shrubs.	Olethreutes nigranum has an array of phenotypes that range from specimens with a prominent black band along the inner margin, to individuals with the band lacking. Gilligan et al. (2008) noted...	Local populations are commonly associated with mesic hardwood forests with maples....	The larvae feed on deciduous hardwoods, with maples appearing to be the primary hosts (McDunnough, 1942; MacKay, 1959; Prentice, 1965; Miller, 1979; Godfrey et al., 1987). The reported hosts include S...	The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed on host use in North Carolina. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S2S3]	...
Hypatopa vestaliella None MONA_number: 1218.00		...	...	Host plants are apparently unknown....	...		GNR SNR [S1S3]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Filatima serotinella None MONA_number: 2172.00	The genus Filatima contains around 80 species that are primarily Holarctic in distribution, with the greatest diversity in semiarid areas of the western United States and Mexico. Their larvae are leaf tiers that feed primarily on legumes, but also exploit a variety of other vascular plants.	Filatima serotinella is easily recognized by the prominent labial brush, its overall blackish coloration, and the presence of a prominent chocolate-brown streak along the costa that terminates ...	This species is dependent on Black Cherry as a food source. Black Cherry is common in hardwood and mixed-hardwood forests in the mountains and elsewhere. The seeds are dispersed by birds, and plants ...	Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is the only known host in North Carolina, though there is a BugGuide record (George Smiley, 2022) for a larva on Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) in Texas....	The adults occasionally come to lights. The leaf folds are rather conspicuous on Black Cherry leaves, and the striped larvae are rather distinctive. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S3	We currently do not have sufficient information on the distribution and abundance of this species within the state to assess its conservation status. ...
Cochylichroa hoffmanana Hoffman's Cochylid MONA_number: 3776.00		...	...	The only recorded host is New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) (Razowski, 1997)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S2S4	...
Herpetogramma sphingealis None MONA_number: 5279.10	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.	Among the eastern North American Herpetogramma, this is a relatively large species with the wingspan around 31–37 mm (Handfield and Handfield, 2011). The forewing is mostly uniformly dark-brown...	This species uses ferns as hosts, and typically uses medium to large species that are found in mesic forested settings. ...	The larvae and associated fern balls are commonly found on Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) and occasionally on wood ferns (Dryopteris spp.). As of 2023, we have reared adults...	The adults are attracted to lights and can be reared from the fern balls on Christmas Ferns and wood ferns. The presence of fern balls does not provide conclusive evidence of this species since H. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S4S5	Populations are associated with mesic hardwood forests and many local populations have undoubtedly been lost historically due to development, deforestation, and the conversion of hardwoods to commerci...
Bibarrambla allenella Bog Bibarrambla MONA_number: 911.00	Bibarrambla is a monotypic genus. Its sole member (B. allenella) was initially placed in the genus Semioscopis, then moved by Forbes (1923) to Agonopterix. Clarke (1941) later removed it from Agonopterix based on external anatomical and genitalic differences.	The following is primarily based on the description by Clarke (1941). The labial palp is sordid white and lacks a brush. The second segment is shaded or speckled with fuscous and has a narrow, incompl...	Local populations are associated with hardwood forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests. Our records are mostly from lower to mid-elevations in the mountains, and in habitats that range from floodplain...	Bibarrambla allenella is polyphagous and feeds on a variety of hardwoods, particularly birches and alders (Baker, 1960, 1972; Prentice, 1966; Hodges, 1974; Robinson et al., 2010). The reported ...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SU	As of 2023, we have 10 site records. This species appears to be locally common, but more information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we can assess its conservation status. ...
Lithophane antennata Ashen Pinion MONA_number: 9910.00	One of 51 species in this genus that occur in North America (Lafontaine and Schmidt, 2010, 2015), 25 of which have been recorded in North Carolina	...	Wagner et al. (2011) list woodlands and forests as habitats for this species, with dry oak-hickory woodlands being especially used. We have records from both dry-xeric hardwood forests on ridgetops as...	Larvae are polyphagous on many hardwood trees and shrubs, with at least a few records from herbaceous species; they are also predaceous and will kill and consume the larvae of both moths and sawflies ...	...	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 epione Epione Underwing MONA_number: 8773.00	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 III (also adopted by Forbes, 1954), which also contains Catocala consors. Both are Hickory-feeding species.	A medium-small, blackish Underwing with a bright white fringe on its hindwings. The ground color of the forewings is dark gray, with blackish shading in the median area; the reniform is largely brown ...	Our records come from a wide variety of hardwood forests, ranging from bottomlands to sandhills to dry ridges....	Larvae are stenophagous, feeding on hickories (Carya spp.). Wagner et al. (2011) specifically list Pignut Hickory (C. glabra), Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata), Sand Hickory (C. pal...	Comes to blacklights to some extent and also to bait. This species is easily flushed during the day; a number of our records come from daytime searches....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	Occurs widely across the state, feeds on common and widespread host plants, and occupies a variety of hardwood forests. Appears to be secure in North Carolina....
Iridopsis humaria Small Purplish Gray MONA_number: 6584.00	One of 20 species in this genus that occur in North America north of Mexico, seven of which have been recorded in North Carolina. In Rindge's 1966 revision of this group, 18 were placed in Anacamptodes, which he recognized as possibly representing the same genus as Iridopsis, and two in Iridopsis itself.	A small gray and one of only two members of this genus with a bluish or purplish ground color. Distinguished from vellivolata by its smaller size and the black ring followed by a white band on the bas...	...	Larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of both woody and herbaceous species. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list birch (Betula), hickory (Carya), Sweet-fern (Comp...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S4]	...
Pseudexentera haracana None MONA_number: 3252.00	The genus Pseudexentera currently has 19 recognized species that are found primarily in North and Central America, with 17 recognized species in the US. They are typically found in forested settings and most fly very early in the year. Many are challenging to identify, particularly the species with fasciate forewing patterns that often show substantial intraspecific variation in patterning and have slight differences in genitalia (Miller, 1968; Gilligan et al., 2008). There has been a long history of misidentified species in the group (Miller, 1968) and there is still much confusion about external traits that are useful in sorting out certain closely related forms. DNA barcoding has not proven to be particularly useful in sorting out species since recognized species often have two or more BINS that contain multiple species names. This likely reflects weak genetic differentiation between certain forms and the large numbers of misidentified specimens in collections. Miller (1968) conducted a taxonomic revision and reviewed all of the recognized species in North America, but did not provide detailed descriptions of external coloration, patterning, or intraspecific variation within species. Here, we treat our assignment of the fasciate specimens to species as provisional since they are based on images or pinned specimens that have not been barcoded or dissected to examine genitalia. Even with the latter, specimens cannot always be confidently assigned to species.	The head, palps, antenna, and thorax vary from medium brown to blackish-brown. The forewing has a light brown ground color that is overlain with a dark basal patch that covers a third or more of the f...	Local populations are found in hardwood or mixed hardwood forests with chestnuts and oaks. They also occur in residential neighborhoods where the host plants are present. ...	The larvae feed on members of the Fagaceae, including chestnuts (Castanea spp.) and oaks (Miller, 1986; Brown et al., 2008). The specific species of oaks reportedly used include Scarlet Oak (	The adults occasionally visit light during March and April. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina, but we currently do not have sufficient data on habitat requirements, host use, and abundance to accurately assess its conservation status within...
Eupithecia miserulata Common Eupithecia MONA_number: 7474.00		The ground color is dull grayish brown; but North Carolina specimens are often shaded with green -- particularly in winter specimens (not mentioned by either Forbes, McDunnough, or Rindge). The discal...	We have records from a very wide variety of open and forested, dry and wet forests. Many records come from residential areas....	Larvae are highly polyphagous, feeding on flowers but also a variety of woody trees and shrubs. Wagner et al. (2001) specifically list American Yarrow (Achillea gracilis), asters, fleabanes (	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S5]	...
Eupithecia matheri None MONA_number: 7509.10		The forewings are elongated, with an attenuate apex (Rindge, 1985). The ground color is gray with faint brown tinge. The markings are obscure, with the antemedian and postmedian lines only weakly deve...	...	Hosts are poorly documented, but Robinson et al. (2010) list Hillside Blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S2S3]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Eupithecia swettii None MONA_number: 7530.00		The forewings are elongate, more than twice as long as wide, but triangular in shape with an oblique outer margin (Forbes, 1948); the are pointed apically and have a checkered fringe (McDunnough, 1949...	...	Host plants are poorly documented, but there are BugGuide records for larvae on Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) and Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) (George Smiley), as well as an oak...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S3S4]	...
Coleotechnites new species MONA_number: 1828.96	The genus Coleotechnites includes 49 very small species that occur in North America. Most species are specialists on conifers and tend to use on a single genus of host plant. Many of the Coleotechnites species have almost identical genitalia that are not very useful in delineating closely related forms (Freeman, 1960; 1965). Freeman (1960) noted that host plants and the mining characteristics often provide the most reliable way to identify closely related species.	This undescribed form lacks conspicuous scale tufts and has a series of small dark spots on the otherwise cream-colored forewings. Note the four spots at the base of the forewing and posterior margin ...	...	Host plants are apparently unknown....	...			...
Argyrotaenia velutinana Red-banded Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3597.00	The genus Argyrotaenia contains approximately 100 described species, with most occurring in Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Thirty-six species are currently recognized in North America.	The following description is based in part on those of Forbes (1923) and Gilligan and Epstein (2020). The head, thorax, and ground color of the forewing vary from buff or pale ocherous to pale gray or...	This highly polyphagous species occurs in a wide variety of communities, included hardwood forests, mixed conifer-hardwood forests, and sunny sites such as forest edges, open fields and roadsides. ...	The larvae use a wide variety of hosts, including both conifers, hardwood trees, and herbaceous plants. Brown et al. (2008) list 29 genera of vascular plants. Examples of genera of vascular plants th...	The adults are attracted to lights and the larvae can be found on a variety of host plants. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S5	This is a widespread and abundant species in the state and is secure. ...
Argyrotaenia pinatubana Pine Tube Moth MONA_number: 3602.00	The genus Argyrotaenia contains approximately 100 described species, with most occurring in Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Thirty-six species are currently recognized in North America.	The following description is based on that of Forbes (1923) and Freeman (1960). The head and thorax are ocherous, and the dorsal tuft orangish. The forewing has three broad brownish orange to dark re...	This species is dependent on Eastern White Pine, which grows in a variety of mesic to somewhat drier forest communities. It is common in the Piedmont foothills and in the mountains at lower to mid-ele...	Argyrotaenia pinatubana specializes on conifers (Craighead et al., 1950; Schaffner, 1959; Freeman, 1960; MacKay, 1962; Prentice, 1966; Ferguson, 1975; Maier et al., 2004; Robinson et al., 2010;...	The adults are attracted to lights, and the tubular shelters are easy to spot on pine branchlets. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S5	Populations appear to be secure within the state due to the abundance and widespread occurrence of Eastern White Pine in the western mountains and foothills. ...
Argyrotaenia kimballi Kimball's Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 3600.00	The genus Argyrotaenia contains approximately 100 described species, with most occurring in Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Thirty-six species are currently recognized in North America.	The following is based in part on the description by Obraztsov (1961). The antenna is chestnut-brown and somewhat ferruginous towards the base, while the head is ocherous and dappled with ferruginous ...	The adults have been observed in a variety of habitats that range open, xeric Sandhill communities to semi-wooded residential neighborhoods. They seem to be generally absent from heavily forested site...	The larval hosts are undocumented (Brown et al., 2008)....	Almost all records are based on adults that were attracted to lights. We need data on host use and the larval ecology of this species in North Carolina and encourage naturalists to search for the larv...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S3-S4]	...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Zale helata Brown-spotted Zale MONA_number: 8704.00	One of 39 species in this genus that occur north of Mexico, 23 of which have been recorded in North Carolina	This species is one of the easier ones to identify in the pine-feeding group. It ranges from bright brown to grayish brown with a prominent dark color preceding the antemedian line and filling in its ...	North Carolina records appear to come from the entire spectrum of pine-containing habitats, including maritime forests, peatlands, wet Longleaf savannas and xeric sandhills, dry Piedmont and Mountain ...	Larvae are oligophagous, feeding on a range of pines, including both soft and hard pines; also feeding occasionally on larch (Larix spp.) (Forbes, 1954; Wagner et al., 2011). Reported hosts inc...	Zale helata may be poorly attracted to lights, which, along with its relatively early flight period, could be a factor explaining the scarcity of records in North Carolina. Bait is probably a ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands	G5 SNR [S3S4]	Although a uncommonly collected species in North Carolina, too little is known about the distribution and habitat affinities of helata to estimate its conservation needs....
Pseudexentera faracana None MONA_number: 3253.00		...	...	Larvae reportedly feed on chestnuts (Castanea spp.) (Miller, 1986; Brown et al., 2008)....	...		GNR SU	We have only one record for North Carolina as of 2023. ...
Gretchena concubitana None MONA_number: 3260.00	Gretchena is a New World genus with 12 recognized species. Eleven species occur in North America, and eight of these are endemic to eastern North America.	This is one of several species of Gretchena that is best identified using genitalia. The following description is based in part on that of Heinrich (1923), but likely does not capture the full ...	Local populations are associated with hardwood forests. ...	The holotype was reared from a hickory (Carya sp.; Heinrich, 1923), which is the only reported host that we are aware of as of 2024....	The adults are attracted to lights. Much more information is needed on the host plants and larval life history. We recommend looking for leaf shelters on the undersides of hickory leaflets and rearing...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR[S1S3]	This appears to be a relatively rare species in North Carolina, but more information is needed on its distribution, abundance and habitat preferences before we can accurately assess its conservation s...
Epinotia celtisana None MONA_number: 3291.00		This species is highly variable in coloration and patterning across its range (Brown, 1986). North Carolina specimens typically have light gray to light grayish-brown coloration overall, with variable...	This species is thought to specialize on hackberries, which are found in rich, circumneutral woodlands and edge habitat. ...	The host are poorly documented, but this species is thought to specialize on hackberries (Celtis) based on a single rearing record from Texas by Riley (1881). As of 2024, we are unaware of any ...	This is a late-winter flier that will come to lights on warm nights. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR [S3S4]	This appears to be an uncommon species in North Carolina, but has likely been under collected due to its habit of flying very early in the season. ...
Cerastis tenebrifera Reddish Speckled Dart MONA_number: 10994.00	The genus Cerastis has undergone significant change in the past 20 years, primarily due to its fusion with Metalepsis. It now contains about 13 species almost equally split between the Nearctic (mostly Metalepsis) and the Palearctic (mostly Cerastis). The combined genus is closely related to Choephora. We have two species in North Carolina, both of which fly early in the spring.	The forewing is brick red with circular grey reniform and orbicular spots. There is a distinct black rectangular spot on the forewing costa in C. fishii which is absent in C. tenebrifera. Sexes are si...	Our records come almost entirely from hardwood-dominated forests, with almost none from more open habitats, such as maritime dunes, shrub-dominated peatlands, Longleaf Pine habitats, or old fields. Ha...	Larvae are probably polyphagous. In captivity, they accept a wide range of both forbs (e.g., lettuce and dandelion -- Forbes, 1954; Crumb, 1956) and trees (e.g., cherry, birch, willow -- McCabe, in Wa...	Adults come to lights but not to bait but may come to flowers (of which there are very few during its flight period). However, a British member of the same genus does occur at willow blossoms (Porter...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	Although more needs to be learned about the host plants and habitat associations of this species, it is found widely throughout the state and occupies a wide range of common habitats; it thus appears ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Exelis pyrolaria Fine-lined Gray MONA_number: 6478.00		...	...	Larvae are almost always found on American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.)....	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G4 SNR [S3S4]	...
Buckleria parvulus Sundew Plume Moth MONA_number: 6098.00		Identifiable from photographs (D. Lott, pers. comm. to JBS)....	...	Larvae feed on sundews (Drosera), including Spoonleaf Sundew (D. intermedia), Dwarf Sundew (D. brevifolia), and Threadleaf Sundew (D. filiformis) (Matthews et al., 1990). W...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.		...
Chrysoteuchia unidentified species MONA_number: 5391.01		...	...		...			...
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 bla...	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. Onl...	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 (	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	G5 SNR [S4S5]	...
Asaphocrita busckiella None MONA_number: 1174.00		This species varies substantially in patterning based on BOLD specimens. The following is based in part on the original description by Dietz (1910). The labial palp is long and recurved, and roughene...	The preferred habitats are undocumented, but most appear to come from forested sites. ...	The host plants are undocumented. ...	The adults occasionally visit lights. ...		GNR SNR [S1S2]	As of 2021, we have a single record. Additional data is needed on the distribution and abundance of this species before we can assess its conservation status. ...
sciName	taxonomic_comments	id_comments	habitat	food	observation_methods	state_protection	NHP_ranks	status_comments
Sciota subcaesiella Locust Leafroller Moth MONA_number: 5796.00		The hindwings of subcaesiella are much lighter almost hyaline (J.B. Sullivan, pers. obs.)...	...	Larvae feed on woody legumes (Prentice, 1966; Robinson et al., 2010). Reported hosts include Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), Bristly Locust (Robinia hispida), Black Locust (R. p...	...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	...
Fascista bimaculella None MONA_number: 2203.00		The head, thorax, antenna, and palps are brown to brownish black. The second segment of the labial palp has a large furrowed brush, while the third segment is slender and mostly blackish with pale spe...	The natural habitats are poorly documented. Our records are mostly from residential neighborhoods. ...	The host species are unknown. ...	The adults are attracted to lights. ...		GNR S3S4	We currently do not have sufficient information on the hosts, distribution, and abundance to assess the conservation status of this species. ...
Cydia laricana None MONA_number: 3449.00	Populations that are currently treated as Cydia laricana constitute a wide-ranging species and may be a species complex. The type specimen is from Montana and the larvae feed on the cambium layer of western conifers. This species ranges throughout the eastern US where the larvae presumably use other conifer hosts such has pines. This is one of several Cydia species in North America that need additional phylogenetic and taxonomic study.	The following description is based in part on the description by Busck (1916). The head, palps, and antennae are grayish to grayish-brown. The thorax is similar but sometimes with scattered orangish-b...	Populations are generally associated with conifer or mixed conifer-hardwood forests, including in both natural areas and residential settings....	The larvae feed on the cambium of at least two species of western conifers, Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western Larch (Larix occidentalis). The hosts for populations in the e...	The adults are attracted to lights....		GNR [S2-S3]	This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina, but more information on host use, distribution, and abundance is needed before we can assess its conservation status. ...
Asaphocrita aphidiella None MONA_number: 1171.00	The genus Asaphocrita is yet another taxonomically challenging group of small moths in the subfamily Blastobasinae. Asaphocrita aphidiella as recognized here is a member of what appears to be a cryptic species complex (BOLD), with at least two of the members present in North Carolina. Until systematic studies are completed, we have elected to treat these forms as a single species.	The following is based in part on the description by Walsingham (1907). The head, central region of the thorax, and tegulae are copper-colored and may have a faint iridescent coppery-greenish luster....	The preferred habitat is poorly documented. Mant of our records are from semi-wooded residential neighborhoods. ...	The hosts are undocumented. ...	The adults are attracted to lights and can be common during their brief flight period during May and June. ...	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR SNR [S2S3]	This species is locally common in the mountains, but more information is needed on its habitat requirements and distribution before we can assess its conservation status. ...
Phaecasiophora confixana Macrame Moth MONA_number: 2771.00	A large genus of some 37 species, primarily Oriental but with three species occurring in North America. All three species occur in North Carolina	Adults resemble species of Olethreutes but have dilated, tufted scaling on the hind tibia which is usually obvious when handling specimens. Adults are similar and maculation will usually allow identif...	It has been trapped in woodland habitats....	Host plants are poorly documented, but there is a BugGuide record (Curtis Lehman, 2014) of a larva on Sassafras in Pennsylvania....	Adults have been recorded in light traps and are unlikely to be attracted to bait....	Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.	GNR S3S4	...