Moths of North Carolina
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5 NC Records

Pyrausta generosa (Grote & Robinson, 1867) - Generous Pyrausta

Pyrausta generosa
Taxonomy
Superfamily: Pyraloidea Family: CrambidaeSubfamily: PyraustinaeTribe: PyraustiniP3 Number: 80a0824 MONA Number: 5056.00
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Munroe (1976)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This species has a dark brown to reddish-brown ground color on the forewing, with two yellow marks that crisply contrast with the ground. These include a rectangular, subapical mark that extends inward from the costa, and a small yellow spot between the dark reniform and orbicular spots. The antemedial line is obsolete, while the postmedial line is conspicuous. It is strongly dentate on the dorsal third, then extends towards the costa where it meets the rectangular subapical mark. The broad dark band is often evident in the subapical region, and the fringe is dark near the base and paler outwards. The hindwing has a dark brown to blackish ground with a contrasting, yellow, postmedial band that widens towards the costa.
Forewing Length: 8-9 mm (Munroe, 1976)
Adult Structural Features: Munroe (1976) has descriptions of the male and female genitalia, and an illustration of the male genitalia.
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: This species was reported to use Monarda fistulosa (Robinson et al., 2010), but the larval life history is undocumented.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Pyrausta generosa is found in southern Canada (Alberta eastward to Nova Scotia) and the eastern U.S. from southern Maine southward to Florida and westward to Oklahoma, Missouri, eastern Kansas, eastern Nebraska and Minnesota. As of 2023 our two records are both historical, with one from the Black Mountains 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 have been observed from April through September in different areas of the range. As of 2023, our one dated record is from early July.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats:
Larval Host Plants: The host plants are poorly documented. Robinson et al. (2010) list Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) as a host. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights and are occasional seen resting in the open on vegetation during the day.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks:
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
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 Photo Gallery for Pyrausta generosa - Generous Pyrausta

Photos: 1

Recorded by: Emily Stanley on 2024-07-11
Buncombe Co.
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