Red-tipped Clearwing - Synanthedon formicaeformis

Description

Wingspan 17 to19 mm. This moth derives its English name from the reddish patches at the tips of the forewings.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

The species inhabits fens, marshes and other damp localities.

When to see it

It flies between May and July.

Life History

Larvae feed inside the stems of various species of Willow and especially Osier.

UK Status

It can be found locally throughout much of England, southern Scotland, south Wales and scarcely in parts of Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B, but the introduction of an effective pheromone lure for this species has shown it to be more common than previously thought.

VC55 Status

Previously thought uncommon in Leicestershire & Rutland, but the introduction of an effective pheromone lure for this species has shown it to be more common in our area than previously thought.

Reference
52.008 BF380

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Red-tipped Clearwing
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Sesiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
17
First record:
25/06/2010 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
02/08/2023 (Hagley, Neil)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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