Calleva

Calleva is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae. The genus was described by Achille Guenée in 1854.

Calleva moths are typically small to medium-sized with a wingspan ranging from 20 to 35 millimeters. Their forewings are often cryptically colored, displaying patterns of brown, gray, and white that help them camouflage against tree bark or leaf litter. The hindwings are usually paler. The antennae are filiform or slightly serrated.

The larvae of Calleva moths are generally herbivorous, feeding on the leaves or stems of various plants. Specific host plants can vary depending on the species and geographical location. The adult moths are typically nocturnal and are attracted to light.

The genus Calleva is found in various parts of the world, with species reported from North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Their habitats range from forests and woodlands to grasslands and agricultural areas.

Notable species within the genus include Calleva albilinealis, known for its distinctive white forewing markings, and Calleva contorta, which exhibits a more mottled wing pattern. Research on Calleva species often focuses on their ecological roles, life cycles, and potential impacts on agriculture.