Subject: Clearwing Moth + Hover Fly
Location: Central MT mountains
July 28, 2016 8:33 pm
Took this photo today in the Highwood Mountains east of Great Falls, MT at Showdown Ski Area.
It is similar to the Rhododendron borer, but there aren’t any rhododendrons in this area.
Also, 2nd picture is of a mimic, hover fly, but that is all I know. Can you identify?
Signature: Renee
Dear Renee,
We are relatively confident we have identified your Clearwing Moth in the family Sesiidae as Carmenta giliae based on images posted to the Moth Photographers Group. We double checked that with BugGuide. According to BugGuide, the habitat is “Mid to high elevation montane meadows” and “Larvae bore in the roots of wild geranium (Geranium, Geraniaceae). Adults take nectar from a variety of flowers.” We will attempt to identify your Hover Fly in a distinct posting.