Sesiid
Guides
Carmenta bassiformis
Ironweed Clearwing Moth, Eupatorium Borer Moth
Carmenta bassiformis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It is native to the eastern and central United States, where adults are active from late spring through early autumn. The species is notable for its transparent wings and wasp-mimicking appearance, a common trait among sesiid moths. Larvae develop as root borers in specific host plants.
Carmenta wildishorum
Carmenta wildishorum is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described in 2017 from specimens collected in New Mexico. The species was subsequently documented in Colorado in 2019, representing a state record. Like other members of the genus Carmenta, it exhibits wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and a slender body form. The species appears to be uncommon and poorly known, with most records stemming from targeted bioblitz surveys.
Cissuvora ampelopsis
A North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Engelhardt in 1946. The larva was formally described by MacKay based on a prepupal specimen associated with a positively identified adult, correcting a previous misidentification in earlier literature. The species belongs to a small genus of clearwing moths that typically mimic wasps or hornets in appearance.
Eichlinia magnifica
Eichlinia magnifica is a clearwing moth species in the family Sesiidae, first described by Beutenmüller in 1900. It belongs to the tribe Melittiini within the subfamily Sesiinae. The genus Eichlinia was established to accommodate species formerly placed in related sesiid genera. Like other sesiid moths, adults likely exhibit wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and wasp-like body coloration. The species is classified as accepted in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
Hymenoclea palmii
Burrowbush Borer Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, notable for its wasp-mimicking appearance. The species is associated with burrobrush (Hymenoclea monogyra), a toxic desert shrub. Adults are active during the summer monsoon season in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The common name reflects its larval association with the host plant's stems or roots.