Moth Photographers Group – Desmia funeralis

Digital Guide to Moth Identification

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Crambidae

80a1064 – 5159 Desmia funeralis (Hübner, [1796])

Grape Leaffolder

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Larva and Host Plants:	Host familiy: Cercis Oenothera[=Gaura] Parthenocissus Vitis. Host genera: Cercis Oenothera[=Gaura] Parthenocissus Vitis. Host extended: Cercis, Oenothera, Parthenocissus, Vitis. (Kimberley & Douglas 2025)
Similar Species:	A significant white spot on the head is, according to the Covell Field Guide, a characteristic mark of Desmia maculalis. Brian Scholtens had previously informed Bob Patterson that this is not a reliable character and that two species (D. maculalis and D. funeralis) cannot be distinguished in typical dorsal view photos. It would be necessary to see mouth parts at high magnification or examine genitalia to make specific determinations. It is best to consider photos of these species as representing a species group. More recently, he commented "The character that I use is the extent of the white patch on the underside of the abdomen. D. funeralis individuals have a solid white patch on the underside of the abdomen on segments 1-5 (or may have a slight break on segment 3). D. maculalis individuals have a broken white patch, where about 1/2 of segments 3 and 4 are clearly dark. Basically, maculalis looks striped on the underside, whereas funeralis looks like it is basically solid white.". Pinned specimens of related species. (Hint: select View by Region on the related species page.)
Synonymy:	funeralis (Hübner, [1796]) (Pyralis) - MONA 1983: 5159

References (Caution: DNA barcoding at BOLD provides evidence of relatedness, not proof of identification; some BOLD specimens shown may not be sequenced.)

Barcode of Life (BOLD) - Caution: Identifications often erroneous; DNA barcode provides evidence of relatedness, not proof of identification; many specimens not sequenced.
Factsheet at Florida Featured Creatures.
Hall et al., 2021. The Moths of North Carolina - website (identification, habitats and life history)
Powell, J. A. & P. A. Opler, 2009. Moths of Western North America, Pl. 23.35f; p. 179. Book Review and ordering
Shropshire, K.J. & D.W. Tallamy, 2025. Lepidoptera of North America, north of Mexico: an annotated list containing geographic ranges and host-plant records. ZooKeys, 1261: 101-113; Suppl. 1. (PDF or read online)
Species Page at Block Island Moths
Species Page at BugGuide.Net
Species Page at Mass Moths
Species Page at iNaturalist

Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at the Mississippi State University

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