Dinumma
Walker, 1858
Dinumma is a of in the Erebidae, established by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus contains approximately 11 described distributed across South and Southeast Asia, with one species to North America. exhibit characteristic and structure typical of the Calpinae. of at least one species demonstrate unusual aquatic .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dinumma: /dɪˈnʊmə/
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Identification
with nearly even width and rounded /outer margin distinguish Dinumma from related Calpinae with more angular or tapering forewings. with 5 from lower angle is diagnostic. Smoothly scaled and separate it from with rougher scaling. -level identification requires examination of and geographic locality.
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Habitat
Terrestrial; occur in forested and wooded . feed on plants growing along wetland edges and other vegetation zones. At least one has been documented on pond water surfaces due to accidental fall from overhanging vegetation.
Distribution
range: India, Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Sundaland (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo), Philippines, Sulawesi, New Guinea. : United States (Dinumma deponens).
Diet
of Dinumma deponens feed on leaves of Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae). Diet of other within the is not documented.
Host Associations
- Albizia julibrissin - larval Fabaceae; documented for D. deponens only
Behavior
of Dinumma deponens exhibit undulatory on water surfaces, swinging their bodies rapidly from side to side to propel forward. This uses abdominal movements rather than thoracic legs and has been observed to aid escape from drowning and aquatic such as .
Ecological Role
serve as for aquatic including when on water surfaces. Potential prey resource for fish. Herbivorous larvae consume foliage of plants.
Human Relevance
Dinumma deponens has been to the United States, presumably via human transport. No significant economic or medical importance documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Calpinae generaShare Erebidae and Calpinae; distinguished by shape (even width, rounded margins in Dinumma versus more variable in relatives) and characters
More Details
Aquatic larval behavior
The undulatory swimming in D. deponens represents an unusual for a primarily terrestrial , allowing survival after accidental immersion.
Taxonomic history
Walker described the in 1858 based on D. deponens from India; several were later transferred from other genera.