02072nas a2200205 4500008004100000245011900041210006900160300001000229490000700239520138700246653001901633653002101652653001301673653002301686653001401709653001601723100002301739700001901762856008501781 2004 eng d00aThe Taxonomy, Larva, and Ecology of Agrotis buchholzi (Noctuidae), with a New Sibling Species from North Carolina0 aTaxonomy Larva and Ecology of Agrotis buchholzi Noctuidae with a a65-740 v583 a

Agrotis huchholz.i is one of four Lepidoptera species believed to be endemic to the New Jersey Pine Barrens. It occurs primarily in recently burned or exceptionally xelic or sterile areas where its sole larval food plant, Pyxidanthera barbulata (Diapensiaceae), occurs in openings in the shrub layer. Adults can be quite common locally. There are two broods approximately two months apart with the first sarting about late May. Hibernation is as prepupal larvae in the sand. The la,va is similar to that of other species of Agrotis. Adults are very active and feed but their natural food sourees are not known. A sibling species, Agrotis carolina, new species, is closely associated with P. barbu/ata in southeastern North Carolina. Its range resembles that of another endemic, Hemipachnobia subporphyrea. The combined ranges of these two Agrotis are very similar to those of an unnamed Cyclophora (Geometridae) and Spartiniphaga carterae Schweitzer (Noduidae) and their habitats commonly overlap in both states. Fire is a crucial factor in forming and maintaining habitat for all of these species. A buchho/zi may become imperiled hecause of a decline of wildfires. A carolina, but not A. buchholzi , is thriving in habitats maintained by prescribed bums.

10aAgmtis obliqua10aAgrotis stigmosa10abivoltin10alarval hibernation10amonophagy10aSand plains1 aSchweitzer, D., F.1 aMcCabe, T., L. uhttp://images.peabody.yale.edu/lepsoc/jls/2000s/2004/2004-58(2)65-Schweitzer.pdf