Carmenta wildishorum

Distinguished from other Carmenta species by genitalic morphology and DNA barcoding; described in 2017 based on New Mexico specimens. Field identification to species level is challenging and likely requires dissection or molecular analysis. The Colorado specimens were confirmed through comparison with type material and expert consultation. Similar to other small clearwing moths in the region, particularly other Carmenta species, which share transparent wings and wasp-like appearance.

Small clearwing moth with transparent, scale-reduced wings typical of the family Sesiidae. Males and females have been photographed, showing sexual dimorphism in body proportions. The wings lack the dense scaling seen in most moths, revealing the wing venation. Body coloration and patterning details are not fully documented in available sources.

Documented from shortgrass prairie and meadow habitats on lower slopes and plateaus. The Colorado record came from Red Rock Canyon Open Space, which includes mixed habitats from coniferous forest at higher elevations to prairie and meadow at lower elevations. The specific microhabitat within this area where the moth was encountered is not detailed.

Known from New Mexico (type locality) and Colorado (state record, 2019). The Colorado record extends the known range northward. Distribution within these states is poorly documented due to limited survey effort.

Adults have been observed in July in Colorado. The New Mexico type series was collected in 2015, with specific dates not provided in available sources. Phenology is otherwise unknown.

Attracted to ultraviolet light sources during nocturnal surveys. Adults have been photographed resting on vegetation during daytime. No other behavioral observations are documented.

Documented through citizen science bioblitz efforts, highlighting the value of community science in detecting rare or poorly known species. The 2019 Colorado record resulted from a three-day intensive survey involving professional and amateur entomologists.

• Carmenta brachycladosBoth are recently described (2017, 2024) Neotropical clearwing moths in the same genus; C. brachyclados was accidentally introduced to Wales from Guyana, while C. wildishorum is native to the southwestern United States. They share the transparent-winged, wasp-mimicking morphology typical of the genus.
• Other Carmenta speciesNumerous congeners occur in North America with similar appearance; species-level identification typically requires examination of genitalia or DNA analysis. Many Carmenta species remain poorly known or undescribed.

• clearwing moth
• sesiid
• wasp mimic
• recently described
• Colorado state record
• community science
• bioblitz

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Results of the Red Rock Canyon Open Space Bioblitz
• New species of clearwing moth from Guyana discovered in Wales