Blue-patched Desmia
Common NameBlue-patched Desmia
Scientific NameDesmia bajulalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, blue
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsVitis spp. (grape), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-rollers, feeding on the foliage of grape and Virginia creeper. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within a rolled leaf.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with distinct, often iridescent, blue patches. Similar to *Desmia funeralis* but that species typically has white or yellowish patches, not blue.
Description
A small, dark moth with a blackish-brown body and wings, prominently marked with iridescent blue patches on both the forewings and hindwings.
