Cosmosoma festiva

(Walker, 1854)

festivum wasp moth

Cosmosoma festiva is a of in the Erebidae, commonly known as the festivum moth. The species exhibits wasp mimicry, a defensive common in the Arctiinae. It is distributed from Mexico through Central America to southern Texas and Florida in the United States. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1854.

Die exotischen Käfer in Wort und Bild (1908) (20903854532) by Heyne, Alexander;

Taschenberg, Otto, 1854-1922. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cosmosoma festiva: //kɒzˈmoʊsəmə ˈfɛstɪvə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other wasp moths by the specific pattern of transparent wing areas and body coloration. The combination of metallic scaling and banded separates it from similar Cosmosoma . In the United States, it can be distinguished from other local Cosmosoma by its more southern distribution and specific wing pattern.

Images

Appearance

display mimicry with a slender body and coloration patterns that resemble stinging Hymenoptera. Like other Cosmosoma , the wings are typically partially transparent with dark borders. The body is often marked with contrasting bands of color. Specific color patterns include metallic blue or green scaling combined with orange or red markings.

Distribution

Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Rica, Honduras, southern Florida, and southern Texas.

Similar Taxa

Cosmosoma myrodoraSimilar appearance but differs in distribution and specific wing pattern; C. myrodora is more widespread in eastern North America
Other Cosmosoma speciesShare mimicry and transparent wing characteristics but differ in color pattern details and geographic range

More Details

Nomenclature Note

The is listed in some sources as Cosmosoma festivum, but festiva is the accepted spelling for the species epithet to agree with the feminine gender of the name Cosmosoma.