SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta in late July.IdentificationA small (2.5 cm wingspan), wasp-like clearwing moth. The head and body are dark black-brown, with the palps, fringe of the head and the dorsal side of the thorax marked with pale yellow hairs. The abdomen has three or four narrow, pale yellow bands. The forewing is hyaline (without scales) except along the veins and fringe. The veins are lined with dark grey or brown scales, mixed with paler yellow and rust ones. The discal mark is prominent and filled with bright yellow-orange scales, and with a narrow partial border of black-brown scales on the basal side. The hindwings also lack scales except for the fringe and the vein lining. The scales covering the veins are mixed with pale yellow and rust ones, in particular along the basal half of the wings. The multiple narrow yellow bands on the abdomen, the bright red-orange discal bar and the lack of infilling of the area beyond the discal bar on the forewing tip will separate giliae from the other similar-sized Alberta clearwing moths.
Scientific NameCarmenta giliaeHabitat
Mid to high elevation montane meadows.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta in late July.
Identification
A small (2.5 cm wingspan), wasp-like clearwing moth. The head and body are dark black-brown, with the palps, fringe of the head and the dorsal side of the thorax marked with pale yellow hairs. The abdomen has three or…
A small (2.5 cm wingspan), wasp-like clearwing moth. The head and body are dark black-brown, with the palps, fringe of the head and the dorsal side of the thorax marked with pale yellow hairs. The abdomen has three or four narrow, pale yellow bands. The forewing is hyaline (without scales) except along the veins and fringe. The veins are lined with dark grey or brown scales, mixed with paler yellow and rust ones. The discal mark is prominent and filled with bright yellow-orange scales, and with a narrow partial border of black-brown scales on the basal side. The hindwings also lack scales except for the fringe and the vein lining. The scales covering the veins are mixed with pale yellow and rust ones, in particular along the basal half of the wings. The multiple narrow yellow bands on the abdomen, the bright red-orange discal bar and the lack of infilling of the area beyond the discal bar on the forewing tip will separate giliae from the other similar-sized Alberta clearwing moths.
Life History
No Alberta data. Poorly known. Like all sesiids, the larvae are undoubtedly borers in the host plant. A female was observed ovipositing on wild Geranium, and sesiid larvae have been obtained from the roots of wild…
No Alberta data. Poorly known. Like all sesiids, the larvae are undoubtedly borers in the host plant. A female was observed ovipositing on wild Geranium, and sesiid larvae have been obtained from the roots of wild Geranium on more than one occasion, but none have been successfully reared to adults (Englehardt, 1946).
Conservation
A widespread but seldom collected species; no concern.
Diet Info
Apparently a borer in the roots of wild Geranium (Geranium sp.).
Range
Western Alberta to northwestern BC, south to Arizona and New Mexico.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Carmenta giliae
Page Citation
"Species Details - Carmenta giliae, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4036. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
References
AuthorEichlin, T.D. and W.D. Duckworth
TitleSesioidea, Sesiidae
Publication Date1988
AuthorEnglehardt, G. P.
TitleThe North American clearwing moths of the family Aegeriidae.
Publication Date1946
Series TitleUnited States National Museum Bulletin
Volume190
Pages1-222
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
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1 result plotted on map in 1 marker. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.