Red-tipped Clearwing Moth
Common NameRed-tipped Clearwing Moth
Scientific NameSynanthedon culiciformis
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorsblack, orange, red
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, and introduced to North America
Host Plantsbirch (Betula spp.), alder (Alnus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae bore into the wood of birch and sometimes alder trees, where they feed for one to two years before pupating. Adults emerge in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsLook for its transparent wings with reddish-orange tips, a black body with a single broad orange band on the abdomen, and a black tufted tail. Its flight pattern and appearance strongly mimic a wasp.
Description
This small, wasp-mimicking moth has mostly transparent wings with distinct reddish-orange tips and dark veins, a black body with a prominent orange band on the abdomen, and a black tufted tail with a pale spot.
