Moths of North Carolina
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30 NC Records

Anaplectoides brunneomedia McDunnough, 1946 - Brown-lined Dart Moth


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Taxonomy
Superfamily: Noctuoidea Family: NoctuidaeSubfamily: NoctuinaeTribe: NoctuiniP3 Number: 933566.00 MONA Number: 11002.00
Comments: A moderately large genus of some 15 species with three of them occurring in North America, the remaining in Europe, China, India and Japan. Two species occur in North Carolina and one of these occurs across much of Europe as well.
Species Status: Specimens from North Carolina have been barcoded, are very similar, and differ from the third and more northern species Anaplectoides pressus, by about .5%. Since A. brunneomedia replaces A. pressus in the Southern Appalachians, there is some question as to whether full species status has been achieved. Phenotypically, they are quite distinct but the genitalia are similar as are the barcodes. However, species of Anaplectoides are typically closely related (i.e. the barcodes are rarely 2% different), so we are treating it as a good species until proven otherwise.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984)Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Forbes (1954; as Noctua intermedia); Lafontaine (1998)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: The large size and light green and black coloration surrounding the reniform and orbicular spots should identify this species. Unlike Anaplectoides prasina, which has a very dark hindwing, the hindwing is a dirty white. The green color does fade in museum specimens. Sexes are similar.
Adult Structural Features: Lafontaine (1998) reports that the genitalia are very similar to those of Anaplectoides pressus but the vesica is wider and longer in A. brunneomedia. Although it is difficult to tell from the figures in that publication, it appears that the structures and sculpturing of the sclerotized regions in the base of the vesica also differ.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: Larvae are similar to other cutworms. The caterpillar probably builds a cocoon in which it aestivates prior to pupating the following year.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Restricted to the Mountains where it occurs from about 3800’ upward
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Flight Comments: There is a single brood from May to July.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: A boreal species which occurs in northern hardwood forests and into the spruce-fir zone.
Larval Host Plants: We have no foodplant records from North Carolina but larvae will probably be found to be general feeders on forbs, shrubs and low growing woody plants. - View
Observation Methods: Adults come readily to light but their response to bait and flowers is unknown.
Wikipedia
See also Habitat Account for General High Elevation Forests
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status: [W3]
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: G4 [S3S4]
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: This species is restricted to high elevation forested habitats in the Southern Appalachians. As such, it is likely to be at significant risk due to climate change and other factors that are degrading these habitats in North Carolina. Determination of the host plants used by this species could help to better determine its conservation status.

 Photo Gallery for Anaplectoides brunneomedia - Brown-lined Dart Moth

Photos: 5

Recorded by: Jim Petranka, Mark Basinger and Becky Elkin on 2024-06-25
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka, Mark Basinger and Becky Elkin on 2024-06-25
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2016-06-28
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: B. Bockhahn, K. Kittelberger, P. Scharf on 2015-06-18
Avery Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: B. Bockhahn, K. Kittelberger, P. Scharf on 2015-06-18
Avery Co.
Comment: