Moths of North Carolina
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5 NC Records

Nemapogon multistriatella (Dietz, 1905) - Many-lined Nemapogon

Nemapogon multistriatellaNemapogon multistriatellaNemapogon multistriatella
Taxonomy
Family: TineidaeSubfamily: NemapogoninaeP3 Number: 300115 MONA Number: 269.00
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Dietz (1905)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This is a rather distinctive Nemapogon that has a series of dark longitudinal streaks on the forewing that run roughly parallel to one another. The following detailed description is based in part on that of Dietz (1905). The antennae are about one-half the wing length and are brownish above with a whitish basal joint. The palps are mottled with varying amounts of whitish and brown scaling, and the vertex and thorax has a mixture of sordid white and brown scales.

The forewing ground color is white and has a series irregular, longitudinal dark brown streaks that run roughly parallel to one another. The area between the streaks is peppered with dark-brown scales. The costal has a prominent dark brown spot near the middle of the wing, along with a smaller spot at around one-fourth. A series of five, irregular, small spots occur along the posterior half of the costa. These progressively decrease in size towards the apex and are sometimes fused. The tornus has a large dark spot that opposes the median spot of the costa, and the outer margin has a series of small, dark spots at the base of the fringe. The fringe often has a mixture of white and light-brown scales that are peppered with dark-brown dots. A series of 2-4 whitish streaks are often evident that cut through these. The hindwing varies from pale grayish white to light gray or brown, with a slightly lighter-colored fringe.
Wingspan: 16.0-17.5 mm (Dietz, 1905)
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: The larval life history is poorly documented. Dietz (1905) reported that adults were reared from a fungus (mushroom?) that was growing on a beech stump.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Nemapogon multistriatella is found throughout much of the eastern US and adjoining areas of southern Canada. The range extends from Ontario, Quebec and the New England states southwestward to Alabama, Louisiana and eastern Texas. From there, it extends westward to Arkansas, Oklahoma and Illinois. As of 2024, our rather sparse records are from the Coastal Plain and lower elevations in the mountains.
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: Many local populations appear to produce two or more generations per year, with records extending from January through October. As of 2024, our very limited records extend from early-April to late-August.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: The habitat requirements are poorly documented, but local populations appear to favor both mesic hardwood forests and relatively xeric communities.
Larval Host Plants: Very limited observations suggest that the larvae feed on fungi. Dietz (1905) reported that an adult was reared from a fungal body that was growing on a beech stump. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are rarely seen at lights and most aspects of the life history are undocumented.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR[S2S4]
State Protection:
Comments: Nemapogon multistriatella appears to be a relatively uncommon species throughout its range, including North Carolina.

 Photo Gallery for Nemapogon multistriatella - Many-lined Nemapogon

Photos: 4

Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-05-11
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2021-06-04
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2021-06-04
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: J.B. Sullivan on 2017-05-03
Carteret Co.
Comment: