Moths of North Carolina
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
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View PDFNoctuidae Members:
Pyreferra Members:
1 NC Records

Pyreferra [new species] none - No Common Name

Pyreferra [new species]
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Taxonomy
Superfamily:
Noctuoidea		 Family:
Noctuidae		Subfamily:
Noctuinae		Tribe:
Xylenini		P3 Number:
0.00		 MONA Number:
9932.20
Comments: Specimens that are currently recognized as Pyreferra citrombra appear to be a cryptic species pair, with the undescribed species closely resembling true P. citrombra. The undescribed species differs in genitalia and size, and averages smaller in same-sex comparisons. Although there is some overlap in size, Bo Sullivan noted that specimens can accurately be assigned to species using size alone in about 90% of cases. Genitalic differences can also be used to identify these forms (see 'structural features' below).
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This species is essentially identical in external morphology and coloration to P. citrombra (see species account for this species). In some specimens, the costal half of the medial line tends to curve outward relative to that of P. citrombra, but in other specimens the medial line is indistinguishable from that of P. citrombra. It differs from P. hesperidago by having a more straw-colored ground color, a relatively straight medial line, and a smaller size. Genitalia provide the best way to identify these species.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable only by close inspection of structural features or by DNA analysis.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: As of 2025, specimens have been collected in Madison, Watauga and Wilson counties in the Blue Ridge.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Pyreferra [new species]
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Habitats and Life History
Habitats:
Larval Host Plants:
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status: [W-PK]
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR SNR [SU]
State Protection:
Comments: This recently discovered undescribed species is currently too poorly known to accurately assess its conservation status.

 Photo Gallery for Pyreferra [new species] - No common name

Photos: 1

Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-03-02
Madison Co.
Comment: Undescribed species near citrombra.