Subdivided Desmia Moth
Common NameSubdivided Desmia Moth
Scientific NameDesmia subdivisalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatVineyards, gardens, woodlands, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsgrape (Vitis spp.), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leafrollers, feeding on the leaves of grape and Virginia creeper, creating shelters by rolling leaves. They pupate within these rolled leaves, and there are multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with two distinct white spots on each forewing and a single large white spot on each hindwing. The strongly banded black and white abdomen is also a key identifying feature, differentiating it from similar Desmia species.
Description
A small moth with dark brown to black wings featuring prominent white spots on both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctly banded black and white abdomen. The wing fringes are white.
