Carmenta albociliata is a species of moth in the family Sesiidae (clearwing moths). It was first described by the American entomologist George Paul Engelhardt in 1925 under the original combination Synanthedon albociliata. The species is known from North America, specifically the southwestern United States, including Texas and Arizona.
Taxonomy and Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Sesiidae
- Genus: Carmenta
- Species: C. albociliata
- Binomial name: Carmenta albociliata (Engelhardt, 1925)
- Synonyms: Synanthedon albociliata Engelhardt, 1925
Description and Identification: Like other members of the genus Carmenta, this species is a clearwing moth that exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and a slender, elongated body. The specific epithet albociliata derives from Latin, likely referring to white (albo-) cilia or hair-like fringes on the wings.
Distribution: The species has been recorded in the United States, with documented occurrences in Texas (type locality: Kerrville, Texas) and Arizona.
Type Specimen: The holotype is a male specimen collected in October 1916 in Kerrville, Texas, by William Barnes, and is deposited in the United States National Museum (USNM).
