Diaphania elegans

(Möschler, 1890)

Diaphania elegans is a crambid described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. The exhibits in length, with males measuring 11–14 mm and females 12.5–15 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, southern Texas, and much of South America. have been documented feeding on flowers of Cucurbita maxima.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diaphania elegans: /daɪˈæfəniə ˈɛlɪɡənz/

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Identification

May be distinguished from other Diaphania by geographic distribution and, where specimens are available, by measurements showing the documented pattern. Specific diagnostic morphological features are not detailed in available literature.

Appearance

length 11–14 mm in males, 12.5–15 mm in females. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Distribution

Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba; Central America including Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Honduras; Mexico; southern Texas (USA); South America including Venezuela, Trinidad, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Diet

feed on flowers of Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin/gourd ).

Host Associations

Cucurbita maxima - larval flowers specifically documented as feeding site

Similar Taxa

Other Diaphania speciesSame ; require morphological examination and geographic context for differentiation

More Details

Original description

First described as Phacellura elegans by Möschler in 1890, later transferred to Diaphania

Taxonomic history

Basionym Phacellura elegans; current combination in Diaphania