Currant Clearwing Moth
Common NameCurrant Clearwing Moth
Scientific NameSynanthedon tipuliformis
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, transparent, brown
HabitatGardens, orchards, hedgerows, and areas where currant and gooseberry plants are present.
Geographic RangeNative to Europe, introduced and established in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Host PlantsCurrant (Ribes spp.), Gooseberry (Ribes spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are stem borers, feeding inside the stems of currant and gooseberry plants. Pupation occurs within the infested stems.
Identification TipsIdentify by its striking wasp mimicry, featuring a black and yellow banded abdomen and clear, mostly scale-less wings. It is typically found near its host plants, currants and gooseberries.
Description
This moth has a slender, black body with distinct yellow bands, mimicking a wasp. Its wings are largely transparent with dark brown veins and margins, and a small dark discal spot.
