Seed-mimicking moth - side view, Rosema sp., Orito, Colombia

Awesome moth that is very easy to overlook. I'm sure of the Rosema genus, yet this genus has quite a few similar looking species, so will consult with some experts.

comments (4)

Christine Young

Lion

Gorgeous! But, eek - a tough one to ID! Maybe Rosema lucia??
Posted 6 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Yes, lucia is my main candidate so far. The learnaboutbutterflies website states that this genus is very tricky with about two dozen similar looking species so details seem to matter a lot. The side view definitely matches, it's the top view I'm in doubt of. This one folds it wings differently from a few other Rosema species it seems. iNaturalist has a fair amount of spottings yet none that folds the wings as seen on my photo:
  https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/429269-Rosema/browse_photos
  
  So for now have asked for a second opinion in the FB moth group, if I don't get any new information, I'll go for lucia :) Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Agreed. This genus seems like there are so many similar species. It makes me wonder exactly how they are separated, and it seems to be difficult to find information online. Usually, the way they hold their wings can clue you into what kind of moth it is, but that doesn't seem so with your moth as I have also noticed they seem to hold their wings in different ways. Is this random, species-specific? There is another that I came across - R. myops, which looks similar as well. But, alas - not exact...especially in regards to how it holds its wings. Hopefully you can get an answer in your FB groups. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      Thanks. So far answers in that group are like "how about xxx", without any basis for it other than it looking similar. Still lucia and myops seem like the main candidates. Will give it a few more hours and then perhaps decide between those two based on distribution. Posted 6 years ago