Paranthrene robiniae

(Edwards, 1880)

western poplar clearwing, western poplar clearwing moth

Paranthrene robiniae, commonly known as the western poplar clearwing moth, is a of clearwing moth in the Sesiidae. This species is notable for its broad geographic distribution across western North America, ranging from Alaska to southern California and eastward into the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. As a member of the Sesiidae, it likely exhibits -mimicking appearance typical of the family, though specific morphological details are not well documented in available sources. The species name 'robiniae' suggests a possible association with Robinia (locust/black locust), though this relationship requires confirmation.

Paranthrene robiniae larva by James Solomon. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Paranthrene robiniae by H.K. Kaya. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Paranthrene robiniae damage by H.K. Kaya. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paranthrene robiniae: //ˌpæɹænˈθɹiːni ˌɹoʊˈbɪni.aɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Found from sea level to near timber line, indicating broad elevational . Associated with Pacific coastal regions, Rocky Mountain systems, and desert southwest environments. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.

Distribution

North America: Alaska southward along the Pacific Coast to southern California; throughout the Rocky Mountains; desert southwest; east to Kansas and North Dakota. Distribution records also indicate presence in Alberta, Canada.

Host Associations

Robinia - possible epithet 'robiniae' suggests association, but not confirmed in available sources. Contrast with Megacyllene robiniae (locust borer ), which definitively uses Robinia pseudoacacia.

Similar Taxa

Megacyllene robiniaeShares specific epithet 'robiniae' and element 'locust borer/clearwing', but belongs to entirely different order (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae vs. Lepidoptera: Sesiidae). The is a longhorned beetle with black and yellow banding, active in fall on goldenrod flowers, and definitively associated with Robinia pseudoacacia. The is a clearwing with likely -mimicking appearance, with broader western distribution and different .

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The basionym Sciapteron robiniae indicates this was originally described in a different before transfer to Paranthrene. The Sesiidae (clearwing moths) is characterized by day-flying with reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, often resulting in -like appearance.

Nomenclatural Caution

The specific epithet 'robiniae' creates potential confusion with the Megacyllene robiniae. In the beetle, this epithet reflects confirmed larval use of Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust). For the P. robiniae, the etymological basis for the epithet is not documented in available sources and should not be assumed to indicate identical host use.