Moths of North Carolina
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Podosesia Members:
17 NC Records

Podosesia syringae (Harris, 1839) - Ash Borer Moth

Podosesia syringaePodosesia syringaePodosesia syringae
Taxonomy
Superfamily: Sesioidea Family: SesiidaeSubfamily: SesiinaeTribe: SynanthedoniniP3 Number: 55a0130 MONA Number: 2589.00
Comments: P. syringae is one of two species of Podosesia found in the state, both of which utilize ashes (Fraxinus spp.) as a food plant. The taxonomy of several groups in this family remains vexing, with some species undoubtedly complexes of several, as-yet undifferentiated species.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2018)Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Eichlin and Duckworth (1988)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: Sexes similar. Thorax brownish-black with red scales scattered above base of wings and immediately adjacent to abdomen. Abdomen brownish-black, constricted at the base, more so in males (Eichlin & Duckworth, 1988). In form that occurs in NC, segments 2-4 variably brownish-black or reddish. Anal tuft brownish-black, pointed. Forewing brownish-black, opaque but for a small hyaline area at base, red on basal margins. Hindwing hyaline with narrow, black margins. Terminal half of legs yellow, proximal half mixed red, yellow, and black, third pair long, dangled beneath body in slow, hovering flight in the manner of paper wasps. Antennae bicolored laterally, brownish-black and yellow-orange. Wing length 10-17 mm (Eichlin & Duckworth, 1988). Similar species: Very similar to closely related P. aureocincta, but that species has a complete or nearly complete yellow-orange band on anterior margin of segment 4 (Eichlin & Duckworth, 1988). Absolute specific differentiation, though, may require genitalic dissection.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: Larvae burrow into living wood of branches or trunk, where they mature and overwinter in tunnels. Pupation occurs in early spring (Taft, Smitley & Snow, 2004).
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution:
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

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