Sesiidae

52.010 Orange-tailed Clearwing Synanthedon andrenaeformis (Laspeyres, 1801)

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Calcareous downland and grassland scrub, woodland margins and also in urban planting.

Habits: The male is attracted to pheromone lures. Moths have been recorded at lime blossom.

Foodplant: The larva bores 18 to 25mm (but occasionally larger) stems on sheltered sunny bushes of Wayfaring-tree or sometimes Guelder-rose. It overwinters twice, possibly causing the adults to only fly in alternate years in some areas due to the two year lifecycle. Similar to many other clearwings the 3mm exit holes are covered by a larger disc of bark or blocked with frass. They are at a height of up to six metres.