Carmenta querci
(Edwards, 1882)
Carmenta querci is a clearwing in the , described by Henry Edwards in 1882. The is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Colorado and Arizona. Larvae develop within galls on oaks, with documented associations to Quercus arizonica and Quercus oblongifolia. As a member of the Carmenta , it exhibits the transparent wings and -mimicking appearance typical of sesiid moths.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Carmenta querci: /kɑːrˈmɛntə ˈkwɛrkaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Associated with oak-dominated in the southwestern United States, specifically where oaks Quercus arizonica and Quercus oblongifolia occur.
Distribution
United States: Colorado and Arizona.
Diet
Larvae feed within galls on Quercus arizonica and Quercus oblongifolia. feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Quercus arizonica - larval larvae reared from galls
- Quercus oblongifolia - larval larvae reared from galls
Life Cycle
Larval development occurs within galls on oak . Specific details of and are not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval gall inhabitant on oaks; specific ecological impacts on plants or gall-forming are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Carmenta wildishorumAnother southwestern U.S. Carmenta described recently from New Mexico; differs in distribution and likely associations
- Other Carmenta speciesApproximately 100 described in , many with limited diagnostic documentation; accurate identification requires examination of wing venation, genitalia, and associations
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Aegeria querci by Henry Edwards in 1882, later transferred to Carmenta.
Gall association
Larval development in oak galls suggests this may be an (gall inhabitant that does not induce the gall) or possibly a gall inducer; the specific relationship to gall formation has not been determined.