Bandelia

Lindsey, 1923

Bandelia is a of established by Lindsey in 1923, currently classified in the Erebidae. The genus contains two described : Bandelia angulata and Bandelia dimera. Its taxonomic placement has been revised multiple times, having previously been assigned to Phytometrinae within Erebidae or Acontiinae within . The genus is known from North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bandelia: /bænˈdiːliə/

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

Identification

Bandelia can be distinguished from related acontiine by the combination of their angular pattern (particularly pronounced in B. angulata) and reduced . The is characterized by forewings with a somewhat triangular shape and a distinct pattern of dark and light markings. B. angulata and B. dimera differ in pattern details and geographic distribution.

Distribution

The is recorded from North America. Bandelia angulata occurs in the southwestern United States, while Bandelia dimera has been documented from southern Texas and adjacent Mexico.

Similar Taxa

AcontiaBoth were formerly placed in Acontiinae and share similar shapes, but Acontia typically exhibits more rounded margins and lacks the pronounced angular patterning of Bandelia.
SpragueiaSimilar small size and habit, but Spragueia generally show more uniform ground coloration and different .

More Details

Taxonomic history

The of Bandelia has been unstable. Catalogue of Life currently places it in > Acontiinae, while NCBI and iNaturalist recognize it in Erebidae. This discrepancy reflects ongoing revisions in noctuoid classification, particularly the elevation of former noctuid to rank within Erebidae.

Species rarity

Both described appear to be rarely encountered, with fewer than 30 iNaturalist observations for the entire . This may reflect genuine rarity, limited survey effort, or habits that reduce .