Moths of North Carolina
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
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View PDFCrambidae Members:
Desmia Members:
3 NC Records

Desmia subdivisalis Grote, 1871 - No Common Name

No image for this species.
Taxonomy
Superfamily: Pyraloidea Family: CrambidaeSubfamily: PyraustinaeTribe: SpilomeliniP3 Number: 801264.00 MONA Number: 5161.00
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This species is nearly identical to our other two Desmia species in terms of coloration and the spot patterning. However, it can be easily distinguished by the fringe -- which is uniformly white on both the forewings and hindwings -- versus having the white fringe interrupted with a central black or dark brown region on D. funeralis and D. maculalis.
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from photos showing hindwings, abdomen, or other specialized views [e.g., frons, palps, antennae, undersides].
Immatures and Development: The larval life history is undocumented.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Desmia subdivisalis is found primarily in the southeastern U.S. from Maryland southward to Florida, and westward to Texas, eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, western Kentucky and southern Indiana. As of 2023, we have only three records, with one for each of our three physiographic provinces.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

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Flight Comments: The adults have been observed from February through September in different areas of the range, with a seasonal peak from April to August. As of 2023, our only dated record is from late-August.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: The habitats are poorly documented. We have one record from a mesic hardwood forest.
Larval Host Plants: The hosts are apparently undocumented. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR [S2-S3]
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: Desmia subdivisalis appears to be uncommon throughout its range and we have only one non-historical record for the state. Additional information is needed on the preferred habitats, food requirements, and distribution and abundance before we can accurately assess the status of this species within the state.