Perimede

Chambers, 1874

Species Guides

Perimede is a of small first described by Chambers in 1874. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources placing it in Cosmopterigidae and others in Momphidae. GBIF and Catalogue of Life currently list it as a synonym of Mompha, though this classification remains contested across databases. The genus contains approximately 15 described , primarily documented from North America and parts of Europe.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Perimede: //pɛˈrɪmɛdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

-level identification within Perimede requires examination of genitalia and wing pattern details. The is characterized by small size typical of gelechioid moths, with narrow, forewings. Several species were described by Hodges in the 1960s–1970s based on subtle differences in wing markings and male genital structure. Distinguishing Perimede from the closely related genus Mompha often depends on microscopic features of the valvae and .

Distribution

Documented from North America (including Vermont, USA) and parts of northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden). The majority of described are North American.

Similar Taxa

MomphaPerimede is currently treated as a synonym of Mompha by GBIF and Catalogue of Life, though NCBI and some literature maintain it as distinct. Both share small size, narrow wings, and similar genital architecture.

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The placement of Perimede is disputed: NCBI and iNaturalist list it in Cosmopterigidae, while GBIF and Catalogue of Life place it as a synonym within Momphidae (family Momphidae). This reflects ongoing revision of gelechioid classification.

Species diversity

Approximately 15 have been described, with many named by Ronald B. Hodges between 1962 and 1978 based on material from North America.