Spirama


Spirama is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae first described by Achille Guenée in 1852.

Description

Antennae usually minutely fasciculate in the male. The tibia is not hairy and mid-tibia spined. Palpi with second joint reaching vertex of head and third joint naked. Thorax and abdomen smoothly clothed with hair. Forewings with nearly rectangular apex. Hindwings with vein 5 from the lower angle of the cell, which is rather short.

Defensive display

Some of the species, such as S. helicina, S. indenta, S. recessa, S. remota and S. sumbana, have a pattern on the wings that looks like the frontal view of the face of a snake with a slightly opened mouth. This pattern is more clearly discernible in females. It may intimidate potential predators and dissuade them from attacking.

Species

Former species