Carmenta

Edwards, 1881

clearwing moth

Species Guides

32

Carmenta is a of clearwing moths in the Sesiidae, characterized by transparent or partially transparent wings resulting from reduced wing scaling. The genus contains approximately 100 described distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with some species extending into North America. Members are and often -mimicking in appearance. Several species are economically significant as pests of agricultural crops, including C. theobromae which has shifted from native cacao to become a major pest of guava in Colombia.

Carmenta texana by (c) Richard Stovall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Richard Stovall. Used under a CC-BY license.Carmenta engelhardti by (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Muir. Used under a CC-BY license.Carmenta giliae by (c) Luke Padon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Luke Padon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carmenta: //karˈmɛn.ta//

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

Identification

Clearwing moths in this can be distinguished from other Sesiidae by the combination of transparent wings with dark borders, reduced wing venation, and often -like coloration with yellow and black patterning. Specific identification requires examination of genitalia and wing venation patterns; only about half of described species have been barcoded.

Images

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forests; agricultural orchards for pest . The type locality for C. brachyclados was tropical jungle in Guyana. C. theobromae occurs inside guava trees at altitudes around 1575 m in Colombia.

Distribution

Primarily Neotropical, ranging from Central America through South America. C. brachyclados described from Guyana. C. theobromae reported from Trinidad (type locality), Venezuela, and Colombia. C. wildishorum recorded from New Mexico and Colorado (USA).

Host Associations

  • Mora excelsa - larval seed pod for C. brachyclados
  • Psidium guajava (guava) - larval stem-boring for C. theobromae in Colombia
  • Theobroma cacao (cacao) - original larval original for C. theobromae, fruits/seeds and stems

Behavior

are day-flying. Larvae of some are stem-borers, forming characteristic ring-shaped scars around plant stems by removing bark to reach vascular cambium.

Human Relevance

C. theobromae is a significant agricultural pest in Colombia, with 98% across 124 surveyed guava farms. The was accidentally introduced to Wales in 2024 via plant material in luggage, resulting in the first description of C. brachyclados based on specimens emerging indoors in Port Talbot.

Similar Taxa

  • SynanthedonAlso clearwing moths in Sesiidae; distinguished by genitalia and wing venation patterns
  • Dion (formerly Carmenta)Formerly included in Carmenta; now separated as distinct of (Hesperiidae)

Tags

Sources and further reading