Sesiidae

52.007 Large Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon culiciformis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Notable B

Similar species: Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon myopaeformis is smaller (9 to 11mm) and lacks the dusting of orange-red scales at the base of the forewing.

Forewing: 12 to 14mm

Habitats: Birch and Alder scrub on heathland and open birch woodland, especially where coppicing has recently taken place.

Habits: The male is attracted to pheromone lures and moths have been recorded visiting flowers such as hawthorns, Spurge Laurel and Rhododendron. In hot sunshine females lay their eggs on trunks and freshly cut stumps.

Foodplant: The larva feeds within the inner bark and heart wood of Downy Birch, Silver Birch and sometimes Alder. Coppiced stumps may show frass or small holes under the bark at their edges. It pupates under the bark.