Clematis
Guides
Alcathoe
Alcathoe is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, restricted to the New World tropics and extending north into the southern United States. These moths are notable for their striking wasp mimicry, with five species currently recognized north of Mexico. Males possess distinctive morphological features including highly bipectinate antennae and often a single tail-like appendage from the abdomen tip that approximates the dangling legs of wasps. The genus is rarely encountered due to diurnal activity and general disinterest in light traps.
Alcathoe caudata
Clematis Clearwing Moth
Alcathoe caudata is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Clematis Clearwing Moth. The genus Alcathoe is restricted to the New World tropics and southern United States, with five species occurring north of Mexico. This species exhibits wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and a body form resembling spider wasps. Males possess a distinctive single tail-like appendage from the abdomen tip. The caterpillars are stem borers in Clematis plants.
Neolasioptera clematidis
Neolasioptera clematidis is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Felt in 1907. The specific epithet 'clematidis' suggests an association with plants in the genus Clematis. As with other gall midges, this species likely induces gall formation on host plants.