Agrotis laysanensis is endemic to the Hawaiian Island of Laysan. This species was recorded as possibly extinct by the Hawaiian Biological Survey in 2002, and it has not been collected since 1911. It is unclear, however, whether recent efforts to find it have been sufficient to presume extinction. Sampling at historic collection sites is necessary to verify it is extinct.
Based on the limited distribution of this species, the troubled history of its native habitat, and the inability of recent sampling efforts to find this species, it is listed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) under criterion B1ab(iii). The extent of occurrence for this species is 16 km2, which meets the threshold for Critically Endangered under criteria B1. The number of locations is likely one, as the main threat of habitat degradation, caused by invasive species, is pervasive across the entire island. Although native vegetation on the island is rebounding, the presence of non-native predatory ants and parasitoids, likely continue to impact the quality of habitat.
