Sesiinae

Boisduval, 1828

clearwing moths

Tribe Guides

Cissuvorini
Melittiini
Osminiini(clearwing moths (tribe))
Sesiini(clearwing moths)
Synanthedonini(clearwing moths)

The Sesiinae are a of clearwing moths within the Sesiidae, established by Boisduval in 1828. Members are characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, mimicking or in appearance. The subfamily includes multiple tribes, notably Synanthedonini, which contains such as Carmenta, Tipulamima, and Macrotarsipodes. occur across multiple continents with documented associations including Clerodendrum paniculatum (Lamiaceae) and Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae).

Synanthedon chrysidipennis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Dario Taraborelli. Used under a CC0 license.

Synanthedon culiciformis by (c) Борис Георги, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Борис Георги. Used under a CC-BY license.

Synanthedon exitiosa by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sesiinae: //sɛˈsaɪ.ɪˌniː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished from other Lepidoptera by transparent or semi-transparent wing areas resulting from reduced or absent , combined with -mimicking coloration of yellow and black or red and black. Forewings and hindwings both exhibit clear patches. Body typically slender with narrow . often thickened or clubbed. Can be separated from actual Hymenoptera by wing venation, presence of scales on wing margins, and antennae structure.

Images

Distribution

Widespread across multiple biogeographic regions including Afrotropical, Nearctic, and Palearctic regions. Documented from Guinea, Ghana, New Mexico (USA), and other localities. Related show distributions spanning Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America.

Host Associations

Clerodendrum paniculatum - plantLamiaceae; first reported for Tipulamima
Ipomoea batatas - plantConvolvulaceae; larvae of three Macrotarsipodes and several Lepidopoda species are pests of sweet potato

Behavior

Larvae of some are concealed feeders, tunneling in stems, roots, or other plant tissues. Some species in related exhibit predatory ; Chalcoela iphitalis (Crambidae) larvae are predatory on Polistes larvae, though this species is not in Sesiinae.

Human Relevance

Some are agricultural pests. Larvae of Macrotarsipodes species and Lepidopoda species damage sweet potato crops (Ipomoea batatas). The -mimicking appearance of may contribute to avoidance by but can also lead to misidentification as stinging insects.

Similar Taxa

Sesiidae (other subfamilies)Other clearwing moth share transparent wings but differ in tribal and generic composition; Sesiinae specifically includes Synanthedonini and related tribes
Hymenoptera (wasps, hornets) Sesiinae are Batesian mimics of stinging ; distinguished by wing structure, , and

More Details

Taxonomic history

Established by Boisduval in 1828. Recent taxonomic revisions have resurrected Macrotarsipodes from synonymy with Tipulamima and clarified tribal assignments within Synanthedonini.

Molecular phylogenetics

Mitochondrial oxidase I (COI) data have been used to resolve -level relationships within Carmenta, revealing cryptic diversity and supporting species recognition based on divergence exceeding 5% between species.