Moths of North Carolina
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2 NC Records

Anania tennesseensis Yang, 2012 - No Common Name

Anania tennesseensis
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Taxonomy
Superfamily: Pyraloidea Family: CrambidaeSubfamily: PyraustinaeP3 Number: 80a0719 MONA Number: 4953.20
Comments: Anania coronata has traditionally been treated as a Holarctic species with two geographically separated subspecies that occur in North America and the Palaearctic Region. Yang et al. (2012) examined variation in MtDNA and genitalia and concluded that this species actually contained four well-differentiated cryptic species. As currently recognized, Anania coronata is restricted to Europe, whereas three additional species occur in North America: A. tertialis, A. plectilis and A. tennesseensis. All three species are very similar in external patterning and coloration and are best identified using either genitalia or mtDNA barcoding. Size differences may be of some use, with A. tennesseensis being substantially smaller on average than the other two. However, the extent to which these species overlap in size needs additional study.
Species Status: The description of this species was based on a single specimen from Tennessee; it appears to be a rare southern Appalachian endemic.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Yang et al. (2012)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: The three members of the Anania coronata complex (A. plectilis; A. tertialis; A. tennesseensis) cannot be distinguished based on external morphology and patterning and require either genitalia or molecular markers (barcoding) for identification. They are all easily distinguished from other species by the pattern of contrasting pale areas on an infuscated ground. The following is a general description that applies to all based on descriptions by Munroe (1976) and Yang et al. (2012).

The ground color of the forewing is pale buff and is powdered or suffused with fuscous in most areas. Two strongly contrasting pale patches are present just before the postmedial line and in the subcostal area near the middle of the wing. Pale coloration also adjoins the outward edge of the postmedial line, which is fuscous and dentate in the median part of the line. The antemedial line is usually indistinct due to the heavy fuscous suffusion in the general area. Beyond the postmedial line there is a broad region of fuscous, dentate shading. The terminal line is fuscous and often broken between the veins, while the fringe is concolorous with the wing. The hindwing is generally similar to the forewing in terms of coloration and patterning.
Forewing Length: 9 mm (N = 1; Yang et al., 2012).
Adult Structural Features: Yang et al. (2012) have descriptions and illustrations of the male genitalia; the female genitalia are unknown.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable only by close inspection of structural features or by DNA analysis.
Immatures and Development: The larval life history is undocumented.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Yang et al. (2012) reported that this species is only known from a single site in the Great Smoky Mountains. It has since been discovered in two counties in the North Carolina Blue Ridge by J.B. Sullivan.
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: Very little is available on the flight season; our two records as of 2023 are from late June and early July.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: The habitats are poorly documented. Our records are from landscapes with hardwood forests that have embedded roads.
Larval Host Plants: The host plants are undocumented. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR[S1-S3]
State Protection:
Comments: This species appears to be a southern Applachian endemic that is found in Tennessee and North Carolina. We have only two site records as of 2023 that may in part reflect the need for genitalia or barcoding for identification. Additional information is needed on the distribution, abundance and habitat requirements before we can accurately assess the conservation status of this species.