Moths of North Carolina
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Bagisara Members:
19 NC Records

Bagisara rectifascia (Grote, 1874) - Straight Lined Mallow Moth


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Taxonomy
Superfamily: Noctuoidea Family: NoctuidaeSubfamily: BagisarinaeP3 Number: 931241.00 MONA Number: 9169.00
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: Several specimens from North Carolina have been barcoded and nest with specimens from elsewhere in the species’ range. They are not particularly close to B. repanda. Wagner et. al. (2011) indicate that multiple species are included under this name but so far the barcoding does not support this concept.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD                                                                                 
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. rectifascia has a smooth forewing margin (no bump), the reniform is not darkened, the cross lines are not shaded and the forelegs bear no black scale tufts. Sexes are similar.
Adult Structural Features: Male genitalia differ significantly from those of B. repanda while the female genitalia are quite similar. Note the shape of the valve process in males.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: Larvae green and probably not distinguishable from those of B. repanda.
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Our species appears to be resident throughout the state at lower and moderate elevations but does not seem to increase in numbers during the fall.
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: There appear to be at least two broods and maybe more.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Most of our records come from alluvial forests, including the edges of streams and rivers. A few come from mesic hardwoods where hazels are more likely to occur than mallows.
Larval Host Plants: Wagner et al. (2011) report that northern populations -- which they regard as true rectifascia -- feed on hazels (Corylus). Southern populations -- which they regarded as an undescribed species (see Species Comments above) -- feed on Turk's Cap Mallow (Malvaviscus) and Hibiscus. We do not have any feeding records in North Carolina. - View
Observation Methods: Adults come to light but have not been taken at baits.
Wikipedia
See also Habitat Account for Shoreline Shrublands
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: G4 S3S4
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: This is one of those species found sparingly but when the details of its life history become known, it may prove to be more common. People with ready access to its potential foodplants should check often for larvae.

 Photo Gallery for Bagisara rectifascia - Straight Lined Mallow Moth

Photos: 6

Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2019-07-13
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: David L. Heavner on 2019-05-08
Buncombe Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2018-08-10
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2018-06-20
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2018-06-08
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Darryl Willis on 2014-07-18
Cabarrus Co.
Comment: