Prionoxystus macmurtrei — Little Carpenterworm Moth

(Guérin-Méneville, 1829)

Hodges# 2694

Etymology

Prionoxystus: Combines the Greek words prion meaning “saw,” and xystus meaning “polished,” or “scraped.”

Macmurtrei: Although his specific connection is unclear, this species was probably named for American physician, historian, naturalist, and author Dr. Henry MacMurtrie (1793-1865). Dr. McMurtrie was renowned for his knowledge of geology, botany, and zoology.

Pronunciation

Pry-ahn-oh-ZY-stus Mac-MUR-tree-eye

Other Common Names

MacMurtrie's Goat Moth

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the Little Carpenterworm Moth in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2020-05-16	Brown	Pollock, Michele	Adult
2018-05-25	Grant	Lara, Anthony	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2020-05-16 County: Brown Observer: Pollock, Michele Notes: Adult
Date: 2018-05-25 County: Grant Observer: Lara, Anthony Notes: Adult

Prionoxystus macmurtrei Sightings by Month

Notes

Carpenterworm moths are among the largest of the "micro-moths." The larvae, which take approximately two years to mature, bore tunnels in the sapwood and heartwood of trees, which can impact the commercial quality of lumber.

Conservation Status

• Global status: G4 (apparently secure)
• National status: N4 (apparently secure)
• Indiana status: NR (not ranked)

Floral Associates

Little Carpenterworm Moth caterpillars bore into the wood of their host species, creating tunnels. They will spend about two years in the sap and heartwood of the tree before emerging. Adults do not feed.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Fagales
Fagaceae	Castanea dentata	American chestnut
	Quercus spp.	oaks
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae	Fraxinus spp.	ashes
Order: Sapindales
Aceraceae	Acer spp.	maples