Desmia is a genus of moths of the family Crambidae. The genus was erected by John O. Westwood in 1832.

Desmia
Grape leaffolder (Desmia funeralis)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Crambidae
Subfamily: Spilomelinae
Genus: Desmia
Westwood, 1832[1]
Synonyms
  • Aediodes Guenée, 1854
  • Arna Walker, 1856
  • Hyalitis Guenée, 1854

The majority of species are found in South and Central America, though there are species in Africa, Asia, and North America. Most Desmia are small brown moths with variable white spots on the wings, although some such as Desmia flavalis are orange without white markings. Others, like Desmia filicornis, have a blue-green sheen. The end of the abdomen is often curved upward.[2] The larvae are generally small leafroller caterpillars and some species, such as Desmia funeralis, are known to be agricultural pests on grapevines.[3] Southern New World species may feed on wild coffee.[4] Desmia species in North America are visually similar and often must be distinguished by DNA or genitalia.[5]

Desmia bajulalis

Species

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Former species

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  • Desmia horaria Meyrick, 1937, now Desmia incomposita (Bethune-Baker, 1909)

Status unknown

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  • Desmia sextalis

References

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  1. ^ Nuss, M.; et al. (2003–2017). "GlobIZ search". Global Information System on Pyraloidea. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  2. ^ "Genus Desmia, iNaturalist".
  3. ^ "Missouri field guide - Leaffolder Moths".
  4. ^ Berger, Andreas; Schinnerl, Johann (2019). "Taxonomical and phytochemical diversity of Costa Rica Palicoureeae and Psychotrieae (Rubiaceae)". Verhandlungen der Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien. 156.
  5. ^ "BugGuide Genus Desmia".