Moths of North Carolina
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15 NC Records

Ancylis muricana (Walsingham, 1879) - Red-headed Ancylis

Ancylis muricanaAncylis muricanaAncylis muricanaAncylis muricana
Taxonomy
Superfamily: Tortricoidea Family: TortricidaeSubfamily: OlethreutinaeTribe: EnarmoniiniP3 Number: 51a0665 MONA Number: 3377.00
Comments: The genus Ancylis contains around 130 described species that occur worldwide. The exact number of species in North America is uncertain due to several unresolved species complexes, but is around 35 species.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Forbes (1923)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: The following description is based in part on that of Forbes (1923). The head and tegulae are light orangish brown, while the palps are whitish and the antenna grayish brown with a rusty orange basal region. A basal patch covers the basal half of the wing and is dark grayish-brown with some lead-gray iridescence. Immediately behind this on the inner margin is a paler whitish patch that is overlain with a mixture of yellow-brown and chocolate scales. A broad median band of dark chocolate brown is present between the lighter dorsal patch and the tornus that extends inward to the middle where it narrows and runs obliquely forward to the costa. The costa has a series of paired whitish striae along the entire length that become more pronounced towards the apex, along with two or three large oblique, reddish-ocherous streaks on the apical third that extend towards the subapical region of the termen. The speculum has a whitish patch with an overlay of lead-gray scales, and the fringe is lead gray. The hindwing is smoky gray to grayish brown with a slightly paler fringe and a faint darker basal line.
Wingspan: 10-12 mm (Heinrich, 1923)
Forewing Length: 4.0-5.5 mm (Gilligan et al. (2008)
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: The larvae are presumed to be leaf-rollers and leaf-folders, but the larval life history is poorly documented.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Ancylis muricana is found throughout most of the eastern US and in adjoining areas of Canada (Ontario; Quebec; Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island). In the US the range extends from Maine southward to central Florida and westward to eastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As of 2022, we have records from all three physiographic provinces, but only two from the Coastal Plain where this species appears to be rare.
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 have been observed from February through November is the southern portion of the range, and from April through September at more northern latitudes. As of 2022, our records are from mid-April through late-August.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats:
Larval Host Plants: Larvae are reported to be polyphagous (Forbes, 1923; Heinrich, 1923; Putman, 1942; Miller, 1987; Heppner, 2007; Riley, 1881; Robinson et al., 2010). Recorded hosts including birch (Betula), dogwood (including Swida racemosa), blackberry (Rubus) and strawberry (Fragaria). We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights. They can be found exposed and resting on low vegetation during the day.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR S3S4
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 throughout the state, but more information is needed on host use, habitat requirements, and abundance before we can accurately assess its conservation status.

 Photo Gallery for Ancylis muricana - Red-headed Ancylis

Photos: 10

Recorded by: Morgan Freese on 2024-04-18
Buncombe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Simpson Eason on 2023-07-29
Durham Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Rob Van Epps on 2023-06-25
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Rob Van Epps on 2023-06-25
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-05-01
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-05-01
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: David George on 2021-06-18
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2021-04-27
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2021-04-27
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: T. DeSantis on 2012-07-29
Camden Co.
Comment: