Carmenta anthracipennis
(Boisduval, 1875)
liatris borer moth, Blazing Star Clearwing
A clearwing moth in the Sesiidae, described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1875. The is notable for its larval association with Liatris species, where larvae bore through stems. It occurs in the eastern and central United States, with records extending into Canada.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Carmenta anthracipennis: /kɑrˈmɛn.tə ænˌθræ.sɪˈpɛn.nɪs/
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Identification
As a member of Sesiidae, exhibits clearwing moth characteristics including reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas on the wings, -mimicking coloration, and relatively narrow wings. Specific distinguishing features from are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Associated with supporting Liatris , which typically occupy prairies, meadows, and open grasslands. The larval habitat is specifically the stems of plants.
Distribution
United States: Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, and additional eastern and central states. Canada: Manitoba, Saskatchewan.
Diet
Larvae bore through stems of Liatris . feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Liatris - larval larvae bore through stems
Behavior
Larvae exhibit stem-boring in plants.
Ecological Role
As a stem borer, larvae likely influence plant architecture and resource allocation in Liatris . Specific ecological impacts are not quantified.
Human Relevance
None documented beyond scientific interest. The is not known to be of economic importance.
Similar Taxa
- Carmenta wildishorumCongeneric clearwing moth with overlapping geographic range in North America; distinguished by more recent description (2017) and different associations
- Other SesiidaeClearwing moths share general including transparent wing areas and -like appearance; specific identification requires examination of wing venation, genitalia, and associations