Moths of North Carolina
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8 NC Records

Gretchena deludana (Clemens, 1864) - Arrowhead Moth

Gretchena deludanaGretchena deludanaGretchena deludana
Taxonomy
Superfamily: Tortricoidea Family: TortricidaeSubfamily: OlethreutinaeTribe: EucosminiP3 Number: 51a1167 MONA Number: 3259.00
Comments: 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.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Gilligan et al. (2008)Technical Description, Immature Stages: Blair (2023)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: In this species, the ground color of the head, thorax and forewing is pale gray and is overlain with varying amount of dark brown dusting and fine mottling. The most prominent marks are thin black streaks that are present anterior to the ocellus, along the distal margin of the sub-basal fascia, and in the discal cell (Gilligan et al., 2008). When viewed from above, resting individuals typically have an hourglass pattern on the basal two-thirds, with the more basal one often resembling an arrowhead. The hindwing is light-brown and the fringe has a sub-basal, broken dark band.

Gretchena deludana closely resembles G. bolliana, but the black streaks on the latter are much more pronounced. Gretchena deludana also has a relatively short flight period in North Carolina, from April through mid-June, while G. bolliana flies throughout much of the year. The male genitalia of the two species are distinctive and may be needed to identify worn specimens.
Wingspan: 14-17 mm (Heinrich, 1923).
Forewing Length: 6.5-8.5 mm (Gilligan et al., 2008).
Adult Structural Features: Gilligan et al. (2008) and Heinrich (1923) have images and descriptions of the genitalia. Heinrich (1923) noted that the caudally projecting socii (easily mistaken for a divided uncus and looking like nothing so much as the frame of a lyre), coupled with its narrow harpes, readily separate this species from other members of this genus.
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from photos showing hindwings, abdomen, or other specialized views [e.g., frons, palps, antennae, undersides].
Immatures and Development: The larvae are shelter-builders that have been recently found feeding beneath silken shelters on the undersides of Pignut Hickory leaflets (Blair, 2023; BOLD). The larvae are light yellowish-white with light amber-colored head shields and presumably skeletonize leaf tissue in and around the shelters.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Gretchena deludana is found in the eastern US and adjoining areas of southern Ontario and Quebec. In the US the range extends from Vermont and New Hampshire westward to Michigan and Illinois, and southward to Kansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, northern Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. As of 2024, our records are all from the Piedmont and a lower-elevation site in the Blue Ridge.
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: The adults typically fly from April through mid-June in most areas of the range, but have been found as early as February and as late as November in some areas. As of 2024, our records extend from early-April through mid-June.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Local populations are typically found in deciduous hardwood forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests and residential neighborhoods where hickories are present.
Larval Host Plants: Blair (2023) found larvae on Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) in Virginia, which is currently the only known host as of 2024. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights. More information is needed on the host plants and larval life history.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR[SU]
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: This species appears to be uncommon in North Carolina, but more information is needed on its distribution and abundance before we can assess its conservation status within the state.

 Photo Gallery for Gretchena deludana - Arrowhead Moth

Photos: 11

Recorded by: Darryl Willis on 2022-06-18
Cabarrus Co.
Comment: Verified by dissection. 		Recorded by: John Petranka on 2022-04-21
Orange Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: John Petranka on 2022-04-14
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: John Petranka on 2022-04-14
Orange Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2019-06-17
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2019-06-17
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Darryl Willis on 2019-04-10
Cabarrus Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2018-05-05
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2018-05-05
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Darryl Willis on 2018-04-10
Cabarrus Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Harry Wilson on 2010-04-06
Wake Co.
Comment: