Desmia maculalis
Westwood, 1832
Grape Leafroller Moth
Desmia maculalis is a of in the Crambidae, currently treated as a synonym of (the Leaffolder Moth). The species was described by Westwood in 1832. It belongs to a of small moths whose 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 ) extends across eastern and central North America.
Host Associations
- Vitis - larval are primary larval for the
Similar Taxa
- Desmia funeralisDesmia maculalis is currently synonymized with ; 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 biology, often confused in historical literature
More Details
Taxonomic Status
GBIF and Catalogue of Life list Desmia maculalis as a synonym of . 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 , 1796 if treated as distinct, but current consensus favors synonymy.
Larval Behavior
of the complex are known as ' leaffolders' or '' — they fold or roll grape leaves to create protected feeding shelters, a referenced in the .