Sesiidae

52.011 Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkhausen, 1789)

Notable B

Similar species: Large Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon culiciformis is larger (fw.12 to 14mm) and has a dusting of orange-red scales at the base of the forewing.

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Open woodland, mature scrub, old orchards, mature hedgerows, ornamental street trees and gardens.

Habits: The male is attracted to pheromone lures from mid morning until early evening on hot days.

Foodplant: The larva feeds within the inner bark of Apple and Crab Apple and sometimes pears, Winter Cherry and other cherries, Rowan, Hawthorn, Peach, Pear and Almond. It is found in the trunks and large branches of mature trees, especially wounded ones. Exit holes, frass and empty pupal cases can sometimes be found in cracks in the bark. In Britain it probably has a one year life-cycle.