5. Maliattha synochitis (Grote & Robinson), Black-dotted Maliattha

(Figs. 19–20, Map 11)

Identification: Forewing length 8.5–10.0 mm. This species can be distinguished by its large, olive-green, quadrate patch from the posterior margin of the forewing to the M vein and the black orbicular spot. Forewing with a white basal patch below M vein, distinct black orbicular spot, an olive bar distal to orbicular spot from M vein to costa, reniform spot gray encircled with white and indistinct, a large olive patch in terminal area irrorated with gray scales, apex with a variably distinct spot of black and gray scales, and faint elongate, olive spots along outer margin. Hind wing is pale gray.

MAP 11. Collecting localities of Maliattha synochitis .

Flight period: May to June.

Collected localities: North Carolina: Haywood Co.: Purchase Knob; Purchase Knob at house; Purchase Knob on road in meadow; Purchase Knob NW of house; Purchase Knob by Ferguson cabin; Purchase Knob, 1.1 rd. mi from house; Cataloochee, pull off at Sal Patch Gap. Swain Co.: Big Cove Rd., site b, site p. Tennessee: Blount Co.: Tremont; West Foothills Parkway at E end; Cocke Co.: Cosby Ranger Station. (22 specimens)

Elevation range: 1360–4924 ft.

General distribution: This is mainly an eastern species ranging from Nova Scotia and southeastern Canada, south to North Carolina and Tennessee, west to Michigan, Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and eastern Texas. A single specimen was recorded from southwestern New Mexico.

Larval hosts: Sedges ( Carex spp., Cyperaceae) and smartweed ( Polygonum spp., Polygonaceae).