Western Poplar Clearwing Moth
Common NameWestern Poplar Clearwing Moth
Scientific NameParanthrene robiniae
FamilySesiidae
SubfamilySesiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, yellow
HabitatDeciduous forests, riparian areas, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to the Great Plains
Host Plantspoplar, willow, cottonwood, aspen
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are wood-borers, feeding within the trunks and branches of host trees, often causing galls or cankers.
Identification TipsIdentified by its strong mimicry of a paper wasp, reddish-brown body with prominent yellow abdominal bands, and relatively opaque reddish-brown wings, which is unusual for a clearwing moth.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a striking wasp-like appearance, featuring a reddish-brown body with distinct yellow bands on the abdomen and mostly opaque reddish-brown wings.
