Euhagena nebraskae

Distinguished from other clearwing moths by the male's highly bipectinate antennae and white thoracic tufts. The combination of transparent wings with dark margins and the specific pattern of thoracic scaling separates it from similar Sesiidae. Sexual dimorphism is marked, with females lacking the male's prominent antennae and thoracic ornamentation. Most similar clearwing species lack the distinct white thoracic tufting seen in male E. nebraskae.

Adults have transparent wings with dark margins and reduced wing scaling typical of clearwing moths. Males possess highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and prominent white thoracic tufts composed of hair-like scales. The thoracic scales and flattened marginal wing scales are distinctive under close examination. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with females differing in appearance from males.

Documented from prairie and grassland regions, including the Gypsum Hills of south-central Kansas and the Pine Ridge area of northwestern Nebraska. Adults have been observed perching on dried flower heads. Specific host plant requirements for larvae remain undocumented in the provided sources.

Recorded from the Great Plains of North America. Documented occurrences include northwestern Nebraska and south-central Kansas. GBIF records indicate presence in Alberta, Canada, suggesting a broader Nearctic distribution across the northern plains.

Adults active in early October, with observations from fall collecting trips. Single individuals have been encountered during relatively warm fall conditions.

Diurnal and generally unattracted to light sources. Males have been observed perching cooperatively on vegetation. Adults are active during daylight hours and are rarely encountered at blacklights, making detection dependent on visual searching or chance encounters. Flight behavior appears wasp-like, consistent with presumed mimicry of Hymenoptera.

Adults may function as Batesian mimics of wasps or bees, gaining protection from predators through resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera. The specific model species, if any, remains unclear.

Of interest to lepidopterists and photographers due to its distinctive appearance and diurnal habits. Pheromone lures have been used successfully to attract males for collection in Missouri, demonstrating potential for survey and monitoring applications. Not known to be an agricultural pest.

• Melittia spp.Other clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, but generally more spectacular in coloration and pattern; males lack the specific white thoracic tufting and highly bipectinate antennae structure of E. nebraskae
• Synanthedon spp.Some species occasionally attracted to blacklights (e.g., S. acerni, S. scitula), unlike E. nebraskae; differ in wing pattern and lack the pronounced male sexual characters
• Alcathoe autumnalisAnother clearwing moth with dark coloration, but differs in specific markings and male genitalia structure

• clearwing moth
• diurnal
• sexual dimorphism
• mimicry
• Great Plains

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Euhagena nebraskae… again | Beetles In The Bush