Sesiidae

52.012 Yellow-legged Clearwing Synanthedon vespiformis (Linnaeus, 1761)

Notable B

Similar species: Distinct. Females have a yellow tail.

Forewing: 10 to 11mm

Habitats: Open woodland, parkland and hedgerows with trees, especially where recent felling has taken place.

Habits: The male is attracted to pheromone lures, mainly from mid-day until early evening. The moth has been recorded at bramble blossom and females can be seen laying eggs on stumps and wounded trees on hot sunny days.

Foodplant: The larva feeds under the bark of damaged trees (with cuts or gashes) or recently cut stumps of Pendunculate Oak, Sweet Chestnut and sometimes Sessile Oak, Holm Oak, Wych Elm, Walnut, sallows, birches, Beech, English Elm and cherries. It pupates under the bark and probably has a one year lifecycle.