Gondysia smithii

Guenée, 1852

Smith's Darkwing, Smith's Darkwing Moth

Gondysia smithii is a in the Erebidae, originally described as Ophiusa smithii by Achille Guenée in 1852. It occurs in open savanna and mesic woodland across the southeastern and south-central United States. The has multiple annually, with active from spring through late summer. It was transferred from Dysgonia to the newly erected Gondysia in 2010 based on morphological and molecular data.

Gondysia smithii by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.Gondysia smithii by Sullivan JB. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gondysia smithii: /ɡɒnˈdɪziə ˈsmɪθiː/

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

Identification

Can be distinguished from related Dysgonia by genitalic and molecular markers that supported its transfer to Gondysia. The dark and specific geographic range help separate it from other Erebinae in the region. Definitive identification requires examination of male or molecular analysis.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan measures 37–40 mm. possess dark characteristic of the 'darkwing' . Detailed color pattern and body descriptions are not available in the provided sources.

Habitat

Open savanna and mesic woodland . Specific microhabitat preferences within these formations are not documented.

Distribution

Southeastern and south-central United States: North Carolina south to Georgia, west to Texas, and north in the Mississippi Valley to Missouri. Recently recorded from Virginia and Florida. Expected but not yet confirmed from Louisiana and Arkansas.

Seasonality

on from April to September. Multiple per year.

Life Cycle

Multiple annually. Specific details regarding , larval, and pupal stages are not documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Dysgonia speciesFormerly classified in Dysgonia; separated based on genitalic and molecular characters
  • Other Erebinae mothsShare dark coloration; require genitalic or molecular examination for definitive separation

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Sources and further reading