Moths of North Carolina
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Pyromorpha Members:
145 NC Records

Pyromorpha dimidiata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854) - Orange-patched Smoky Moth


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Taxonomy
Superfamily: Zygaenoidea Family: ZygaenidaeP3 Number: 660083.00 MONA Number: 4639.00
Species Status: The larvae and adults of members of the Zygaenidae contain linamarin and lotaustralin, which are two compounds that can be taken in when the larvae feed on plants or synthesized directly by some species. The compounds undergo enzymatic breakdown to release toxic, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a defense against predators (Hall, 2015). The toxin adults are frequently active during the day, and many are members of mimicry complexes.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2012)Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Immature Stages: Dyar (1897)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This species is readily identified by its bold, two-toned orangish and black forewings. All body parts are black except for the basal two-fifths to one-half of the forewing that is orangish, with the exception of a streak of black along the inner margin. The orangish color become diffuse near the middle of the wing and grades into the black coloration on the distal half. The adults are toxic and are most commonly seen during the day, where the bright orange coloration serves as warning coloration to potential predators. This species resembles Lycomorpha pholus, but the latter lacks the black streak along the inner margin on the basal half of the forewing and flies later in the year. These two species and at least one lycid beetle (Lyconotus lateralis) are thought to be members of a Mullerian mimicry complex in the eastern US (Linsley et al., 1961).
Wingspan: 18-28 mm (Covell, 1984)
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: The following life history account is based on that of Dyar (1897). The larvae live on the ground and feed on dead and decaying oaks leaves. They are solitary feeders and grow slowly, with about three months require to pass from freshly laid eggs to the formation of cocoons. The cocoons are dark brown and blend in well with dead leaves, and overwintering occurs as pupae. The cocoons are spun between leaves on the ground. Dyar (1897) has descriptions of the larvae, including details for each of the six instars. The head of the final instar is pale brown with lighter sutures and the body dark velvety brown.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Pyromorpha dimidiata is found in southern Canada (Manitoba; Ontario) and the eastern US from New Hampshire and Vermont southward to central Georgia and central Alabama, and westward to northern Mississippi, northern Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, Missouri, and western Kentucky, with scattered populations occurring from New York westward through the Great Lakes region to Wisconsin. This species is generally absent from or rare in most of the southeastern Coastal Plain south of Virginia and North Carolina. Pyromorpha dimidiata is widespread and common in the Blue Ridge and Piedmont, and uncommon in the Coastal Plain.
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
Immature 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 March through August in different areas of the range, with a seasonal peak typically in May and June. Populations in North Carolina are univoltine, which appears to be the case throughout the range. As of 2023, our records extend from mid-April through mid-June.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Local populations are generally associated with hardwood forests or forest edges. Our records are mostly from hardwood forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests and wooded residential neighborhood. We havd records from bottomland, mesic, and more xeric forest communities.
Larval Host Plants: The hosts are rather poorly documented, but dead and decaying oak leaves appear to be the most important source of food (Dyar, 1897). Other reported hosts are poplars (Populus) and willows (Salix; Heppner, 2007; Robinson et al., 2010; Beadle and Leckie, 2012). - View
Observation Methods: The adults are most commonly seen resting on vegetation during the day or nectaring on flowers. They occasionally appear at lights.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR S4S5
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: Populations are common and widespread in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge and appear to be secure.

 Photo Gallery for Pyromorpha dimidiata - Orange-patched Smoky Moth

71 photos are available. Only the most recent 30 are shown.

Recorded by: David George, Stephen Dunn, Jeff Niznik, Rich Teper, Becky Watkins on 2023-07-29
Swain Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: John Petranka, Chuck Smith on 2023-06-09
Alleghany Co.
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Recorded by: John Petranka on 2023-06-06
Alleghany Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Stephen Dunn on 2023-05-25
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: Regina Patton on 2023-05-24
Jackson Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Stephen Hall on 2023-05-23
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: Stephen Hall on 2023-05-23
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2023-05-23
Madison Co.
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Recorded by: Stephen Hall on 2023-05-21
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Ken Kneidel on 2023-05-20
Yancey Co.
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Recorded by: Vin Stanton on 2023-05-18
Buncombe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: David George, Jeff Niznik on 2023-05-17
Chatham Co.
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Recorded by: David George on 2023-05-16
Durham Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: David George on 2023-05-15
Alamance Co.
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Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2023-05-09
Transylvania Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: David George on 2023-05-08
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: David George on 2023-05-04
Durham Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: David George on 2023-05-03
Wayne Co.
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Recorded by: Ken Kneidel on 2022-05-28
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Stephen Hall on 2022-05-20
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: Vin Stanton on 2022-05-18
Buncombe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-05-18
Madison Co.
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Recorded by: Jeff Niznik on 2022-05-09
Wake Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: John Petranka on 2022-05-05
Orange Co.
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Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2021-06-16
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: J. Mickey on 2021-06-06
Wilkes Co.
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Recorded by: Stephen Dunn on 2021-06-01
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2021-05-30
Transylvania Co.
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Recorded by: tom ward on 2021-05-29
Buncombe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2021-05-27
Henderson Co.
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