5. Hyperstrotia secta (Grote) Black-patched Graylet

(Figs. 33–34, Map 17)

Identification. Forewing length 8.0– 9.5 mm. Hyperstrotia secta is very similar to H. villificans, but has a large black patch along the posterior margin of the forewing, similar to Tripudia rectangula. The forewing reniform spot consists of 2 small black dots that are not coalesced as they may be in some specimens of H. villificans, and the marginal dots are smaller and darker than in H. villificans.

Flight period. May to July.

Collected localities. North Carolina: Haywood Co.: Purchase Knob, NW of house; Swain Co.: 0.5 km from mouth of Chambers Creek, 300 feet up hillside on NW side; Oconaluftee Staff Apartments. Tennessee: Blount Co.: Cades Cove Ranger Station; Tremont; Cocke Co.: Cosby Ranger Station; Foothills Parkway East, 1.3 mi N of 321; Sevier Co.: ca. 7 mi S Sugarlands Visitor Center; above Chimneys Campground. (10 specimens)

Elevation range. 1390–4911 ft. (424–1497 m)

General distribution. From Massachusetts to North Carolina, west to Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan.

Larval hosts. White oak (Quercus alba L.) and northern red oak (Q. rubra L., Fagaceae).

MAP 17. Collecting localities of Hyperstrotia secta.