Riley's Clearwing Moth
Common NameRiley's Clearwing Moth
Scientific NameSynanthedon rileyana
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, orange, blue, green
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Quebec to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.), pin oak (Quercus palustris), willow oak (Quercus phellos)
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems of various oak species, developing within the plant before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for its wasp-like appearance, transparent wings with iridescent blue-green and orange-red markings, and the characteristic black and yellow-orange striped abdomen. It is often found near oak trees, its host plant.
Description
This small, wasp-mimicking moth has a black and yellow-orange striped abdomen. Its forewings are mostly transparent with iridescent blue-green scales and a distinct orange-red bar near the apex.
