Grape Leaffolder (
Desmia funeralis) is slightly larger and lacks prominent white patch on top of head; white wing spots not reliable features, since they vary between sexes in both species
(1)
Also, consider this note from Bob Patterson on the
Moth Photographers Group website: "A significant white spot on the head is, according to Covell, a characteristic mark of 5166 -
Desmia maculalis. Brian Scholtens informs me that this is not a reliable character and that the two species 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."
Several other
Desmia species occur in some areas (example:
Florida has 10 species) - see
pinned adult images of 6 species by Jim Vargo at MPG
