Florida Oakgall Borer Moth
Common NameFlorida Oakgall Borer Moth
Scientific NameCarmenta quercus
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorsblack, orange, blue, purple
HabitatOak woodlands, forests, and areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina)
Host Plantsoak galls (on Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae of the Florida Oakgall Borer Moth are endoparasitic, developing within galls formed on oak trees by cynipid wasps. They feed on the gall tissue or the wasp larva/pupa before pupating inside the gall.
Identification TipsLook for its wasp-like appearance, characterized by the black and orange banded abdomen, iridescent blue-purple wings with orange venation, and the prominent dark anal tuft. It is typically found in association with oak trees.
Description
This small moth has a striking black and orange banded abdomen, a dark head and thorax, and iridescent blue-purple wings with prominent orange veins. It possesses a distinctive brush-like tuft at the end of its abdomen.
