Sesiidae

Common Name

Clearwing Moths

Overview

The Sesiidae family, commonly known as clearwing moths, are a group of day-flying moths that mimic bees or wasps. Their appearance helps them to avoid predators. This family encompasses around 1400 species worldwide, with a large number found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Appearance: Transparent wings with some scales, mimicking bees or wasps.
  • Size: Generally small to medium-sized, with a wingspan ranging between 15 to 50 mm.
  • Coloration: Often brightly colored with metallic blues, greens, or reds.

Life Cycle

  1. Egg: Laid near or on host plants.
  2. Larva: Bore into plant stems, roots, or galls.
  3. Pupa: Pupation occurs within the plant or in the soil.
  4. Adult: Emerges to mate and lay eggs.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Activity: Diurnal, flying during the day unlike most other moth families.
  • Mimicry: Resemble stinging insects as a defense mechanism.
  • Habitat: Found in areas where their host plants are available, including forests, gardens, and fields.
  • Host Plants: Typically specific to one or a few closely related plant species.

Notable Species

  • Synanthedon exitiosa: The peach tree borer, a significant pest of peach trees.
  • Pennisetia marginata: The raspberry crown borer.
  • Synanthedon myopaeformis: The apple clearwing moth.

Conservation

Most species are not of conservation concern. However, habitat loss and pesticide use can impact certain species, especially those with very specific host plant requirements.

Significance to Humans

  • Pest status: Some clearwing moths are serious pests of fruit trees and other agricultural crops.
  • Biological control: Knowledge of their life cycles can contribute to effective pest management strategies.
  • Ecological role: Serve as pollinators and part of the food web.

Fun Facts

  • Clearwing moths' mimicry is so convincing that they often escape predation by appearing to be bees or wasps.
  • Some clearwing moths only have a few days to live once they become adults, focusing solely on mating and laying eggs.
  • The clearwing moths’ larvae can be quite destructive to their host plants, often leading to the death of the plant if infestations are severe.
  • They have relatively weak flying abilities compared to other moths and butterflies.