Synanthedon chrysidipennis

Appearance

A clearwing moth that occupies alpine meadows

Distribution

At higher elevations from British Columbia south to Utah and California.

Behavior

Biology.- Pupation takes place in cocoons in the larval burrow near the crown of the host plant, or the larvae may construct silk-lined tubes extending from the exit hole in the root to the soil surface to provide a means of escape for the mature pupa. Adults can be seen, often in large numbers, from late June through early August flying about the host plants in alpine meadows. -- William H. Taft, 19 August, 2016

Food

The larvae have been recorded as boring in the roots of Polygonurn davisiae and Polygonurn sp. (Polygonaceae). Henne notes that several specimens were observed in Smokey Valley, Tulare County visiting flowers of Achillea lanulosa Nutt. (Asteraceae).