Sesiidae

52.015 Fiery Clearwing Pyropteron chrysidiformis (Esper, 1782)

RDB - Protected species

Similar species:

Forewing: 9 to 12mm

Habitats: Calcareous coastal cliffs, undercliff and slopes that are warm and sheltered and herb rich. Also railway ballast, road verges, waste ground and the inner edge of vegetated shingle.

Habits: The moth occasionally visits flowers and flies around the foodplant in warm weather. It can sometimes be found resting on or near the foodplant early in the morning.

Foodplant: The larva tunnels the tap roots of large, isolated plants of Curled Dock, Water Dock, Common Sorrel and occasionally Sheep's Sorrel. It may overwinter twice and causes inhabited plants to look unhealthy. Pupation takes place in the stem.