Moths of North Carolina
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View PDFGelechiidae Members: Pseudotelphusa Members: 5 NC Records

Pseudotelphusa palliderosacella (Chambers, 1878) - No Common Name

Pseudotelphusa palliderosacellaPseudotelphusa palliderosacella
Taxonomy
Superfamily:
Gelechioidea		 Family:
Gelechiidae		Subfamily:
Gelechiinae		P3 Number:
59a0786		 MONA Number:
1873.00
Comments: Pseudotelphusa species in eastern North America constitute a taxonomically challenging group, with several described species that have similar patterning, along with one or more species that are likely undescribed. Little effort has been put forth to correlate DNA barcoding with external morphology and genitalia, so there is still much uncertainty in this regard. Many of our assignments of specimens to species are provisional and will remain so until additional information becomes available that will clarify the taxonomic status of populations in North Carolina.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD                                                                                 
Adult Markings: The following description is based in part of that of Chambers (1878), who described the species based on specimens from Texas. The labial palp is pale grayish, with the second segment having a thin, brownish annulus at the base, middle and tip. The third segment is similar, but with the annuli larger and bolder. The head, thorax, and ground color of the forewing are pale-gray and dusted with dark gray, with some specimens being faintly tinted with roseate. The antenna is dark brown with paler annulations.

The primary marks on the forewing include three more-or-less parallel dark-brown or blackish bands, with the median and postmedial band becoming progressively narrower and more fragmented. The sub-basal band is complete and often extends along the costa from at or near the wing base to about one-fifth the wing length, then runs obliquely outward towards the inner margin before terminating at the fold. The end commonly has a sharp, short, bend at the tip. The second band mostly consists of a dark costal spot at around one-half, with specimens often having one or two black dots inwardly that create the impression of a short, fragmented band. The third band consists of a dark costal spot at around two-thirds, often with small blotch and a pair of dark dots (frequently connected to form a bar) between it and the inner margin. A diffuse, dark blotch is often evident in the subterminal region, and a line of 6-7 black dots is often present along the outer margin from the tornus to beyond the apex. The legs are dark-brown to black, with pale grayish-white annulations on the tarsal segments.

This species appears to have both light forms as described above and darker forms that are predominantly brown.
Genitalia and other structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from photos showing hindwings, abdomen, or other specialized views [e.g., frons, palps, antennae, undersides].
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution:
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Pseudotelphusa palliderosacellaAlamance Alexander Alleghany Anson Ashe Avery Beaufort Bertie Bladen Brunswick Buncombe Burke Cabarrus Caldwell Camden Carteret Caswell Catawba Chatham Cherokee Chowan Clay Cleveland Columbus Craven Cumberland Currituck Dare Davidson Davie Duplin Durham Edgecombe Forsyth Franklin Gaston Gates Graham Granville Greene Guilford Halifax Harnett Haywood Henderson Hertford Hoke Hyde Iredell Jackson Johnston Jones Lee Lenoir Lincoln Macon Madison Martin McDowell Mecklenburg Mitchell Montgomery Moore Nash New Hanover Northampton Onslow Orange Pamlico Pasquotank Pender Perquimans Person Pitt Polk Randolph Richmond Robeson Rockingham Rowan Rutherford Sampson Scotland Stanly Stokes Surry Swain Transylvania Tyrrell Union Vance Wake Warren Washington Watauga Wayne Wilkes Wilson Yadkin Yancey
Flight Dates:
High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
Piedmont (Pd)
Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge 		Image showing flight dates by month for High Mountains greater than 4,000 feet, Low Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain: adults.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats:
Larval Host Plants: Larvae reportedly feed on oaks (Forbes, 1923). - View
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR SNR [S2S3]
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments:

 Photo Gallery for Pseudotelphusa palliderosacella - None

Photos: 3
Pseudotelphusa palliderosacella
Recorded by: David George, Jeff Niznik, Rob Van Epps, Kevin Metcalf on 2025-07-20
Richmond Co.
Comment: 		Pseudotelphusa palliderosacella
Recorded by: Chuck Smith on 2025-05-16
Davidson Co.
Comment:
Pseudotelphusa palliderosacella
Recorded by: Dean Furbish, Lior S. Carlson on 2024-07-31
Forsyth Co.
Comment: