Desmia maculalis
Westwood, 1832
Grape Leafroller Moth
Desmia maculalis is a of in the Crambidae, currently treated as a synonym of Desmia funeralis (the Grape Leaffolder Moth). The species was described by Westwood in 1832. It belongs to a of small moths whose larvae are known to feed on grape and related plants, rolling or folding leaves for shelter. The taxonomic status of Desmia maculalis as a distinct species versus a synonym remains subject to revision.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Desmia maculalis: //ˈdɛs.mi.ə mæˈkjuː.lə.lɪs//
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Distribution
Distribution records indicate presence in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada, and Vermont in the United States. The broader distribution of the (as Desmia funeralis) extends across eastern and central North America.
Host Associations
- Vitis - larval Grape are primary larval for the Desmia funeralis
Similar Taxa
- Desmia funeralisDesmia maculalis is currently synonymized with Desmia funeralis; the two names have been used interchangeably or for slightly different forms of the same biological
- Desmia deploralisAnother closely related in the same with similar appearance and , often confused in historical literature
More Details
Taxonomic Status
GBIF and Catalogue of Life list Desmia maculalis as a synonym of Desmia funeralis. However, some sources maintain it as a valid , reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty in the . The name Desmia maculalis Westwood, 1832 has priority over Desmia funeralis Hübner, 1796 if treated as distinct, but current consensus favors synonymy.
Larval Behavior
Larvae of the Desmia funeralis complex are known as '' or 'leafrollers' — they fold or roll grape leaves to create protected feeding shelters, a referenced in the .