Moths of North Carolina
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
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View PDFNoctuidae Members:
Bagisara Members:
3 NC Records

Bagisara repanda (Fabricius, 1793) - Wavy Lined Mallow Moth


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Taxonomy
Superfamily: Noctuoidea Family: NoctuidaeSubfamily: BagisarinaeP3 Number: 931240.00 MONA Number: 9168.00
Comments: The genus Bagisara contains some 20 described species of which 12 occur in the United States and two have been recorded in North Carolina. Other species in this genus may occur in the western and southeastern parts of the state.
Species Status: No specimens from North Carolina have been barcoded but specimens from elsewhere support the concept of a single species. Our two species, while very similar in maculation, do not appear to be sister species.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF                                                                                 
Adult Markings: Our two species are very similar but can be distinguished by the shape of the forewing margin, the presence of a darkened reniform spot, and shading around the cross lines. B. repanda has a slight projection of the forewing margin, a dark reniform and the cross lines are shaded. The foreleg has black tufts. Sexes are similar.
Adult Structural Features: Male genitalia differ significantly from those of B. rectifascia while the female genitalia are quite similar. Note the shape of the valve process in males.
Structural photos
Immatures and Development: The caterpillar is green with faint longitudinal bands (see Wagner et. al., 2011).
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution:
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)

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Habitats and Life History
Habitats:
Larval Host Plants: Larvae have been reported from Sida and False Mallows (Malvastrum sp.) (Wagner et al., 2011)
Observation Methods: Collected in light traps; response to baits unknown.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: [GNR] SNR
State Protection:
Comments: Our only records come from Carteret County during September to November in 1972 and 1973. This pattern was also seen in Alabama argillacea. Both species are largely tropical and migrate north during the fall. The demise of cotton throughout the Southeast may have drastically reduced a common foodplant which enabled this migration. Now that cotton is being planted more widely, the species may once again show up in collections made in the fall. B. rectifascia is widespread but uncommon and all individuals should be examined carefully to be sure they are not this species. Other species in this genus may occur in the western and southeastern parts of the state.