Carmenta mariona

(Beutenmüller, 1900)

Carmenta mariona is a clearwing moth in the Sesiidae, described by William Beutenmüller in 1900. The occurs in the western and central United States, with active during summer months. Larvae are root-feeding on plants in the family Boraginaceae.

Monograph of the Sesiidæ of America, north of Mexico (Pl. XXXIII) (7400749172) by Beutenmüller, William. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carmenta mariona: /kɑrˈmɛn.tə məˈri.oʊnə/

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Identification

Clearwing moths in the Carmenta are distinguished from similar sesiid genera by genitalia structure and wing venation patterns. Carmenta mariona can be separated from other North American Carmenta by geographic range and, where known, plant associations. are and may be mistaken for or bees due to convergent . Precise diagnostic features for C. mariona require examination of or original description.

Images

Appearance

As a sesiid clearwing moth, likely exhibit reduced wing scaling creating transparent areas on the wings, with dark borders and . The body is typically -mimicking with a slender . Specific coloration and pattern details for C. mariona are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with supporting its larval plants: Amsinckia and Lithospermum incisum. These plants occur in grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas across the western United States.

Distribution

United States: Montana south to Arizona, east to Kansas. Records indicate presence in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain foothills regions.

Seasonality

are on wing from June to August.

Diet

Larvae feed on the roots of Amsinckia and Lithospermum incisum ( Boraginaceae). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Amsinckia - larval root-feeding
Lithospermum incisum - larval root-feeding

Behavior

are . Larvae are subterranean root-feeders.

Ecological Role

As a root-feeding herbivore, larvae likely influence plant of their . The -mimicry may provide protection from .

Human Relevance

No significant documented impacts. Potential minor interest to lepidopterists and naturalists in its range.

Similar Taxa

Carmenta bassiformisOverlapping range in western North America; both are sesiid clearwings with similar general appearance. Separation requires detailed morphological examination.
Synanthedon speciesSimilar clearwing and ; distinguished by wing venation and genitalia structure.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Sesia mariona by Beutenmüller in 1900, later transferred to Carmenta. The has received limited modern study.

Conservation Status

Not formally assessed. Appears to be naturally uncommon based on few observations, but this may reflect detection difficulty rather than rarity.