Prionoxystus robiniae — Carpenterworm Moth

(Peck, 1818)

Hodges# 2693

Etymology

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

Robiniae: Pertaining to plants of the genus Robinia, which is a host genus for this species.

Pronunciation

Pry-ahn-oh-ZY-stus Row-BIN-ee-uh

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the confirmed sightings of the 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
2021-06-07	Scott	Lowry, Brian	Adult
2021-05-28	Scott	Lowry, Brian	Adult
2021-05-22	Scott	Lowry, Brian	Adult
2020-07-23	Monroe	Setze, Tracey	Adult
2020-06-30	Jefferson	Boscia, Deanna	Adult
2020-06-30	Jefferson	Boscia, Deanna	Adult
2020-06-30	Jefferson	Boscia, Deanna	Adult
2020-06-27	Marion	Schwedler, Kat	Adult
2020-06-27	Marion	Schwedler, Kat	Adult
2020-06-27	Marion	Schwedler, Kat	Adult

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2021-06-07 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-05-28 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes: Adult
Date: 2021-05-22 County: Scott Observer: Lowry, Brian Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-07-23 County: Monroe Observer: Setze, Tracey Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-06-30 County: Jefferson Observer: Boscia, Deanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-06-30 County: Jefferson Observer: Boscia, Deanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-06-30 County: Jefferson Observer: Boscia, Deanna Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-06-27 County: Marion Observer: Schwedler, Kat Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-06-27 County: Marion Observer: Schwedler, Kat Notes: Adult
Date: 2020-06-27 County: Marion Observer: Schwedler, Kat Notes: Adult

Prionoxystus robiniae 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: G5 (secure)
• National status: N5 (secure)
• Indiana status: NR (not ranked)

Floral Associates

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. Carpenterworm Moth caterpillars feed on a large and more diverse range than do the closely related Little Carpenterworm larvae. Adults do not feed.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Fabales
Fabaceae	Robinia spp.	locusts
Order: Fagales
Fagaceae	Castanea dentata	American chestnut
	Quercus spp.	oaks
Order: Hamamelidales
Platanaceae	Platanus occidentalis	American sycamore
Order: Lamiales
Oleaceae	Fraxinus spp.	ashes
Order: Rosales
Moraceae	Ficus carica	common fig
Rosaceae	Prunus spp.	cherries
Ulmaceae	Celtis spp.	hackberries
	Ulmus spp.	elms
Order: Salicales
Salicaceae	Populus spp.	poplars
	Salix spp.	willows
Order: Sapindales
Aceraceae	Acer spp.	maples