Synanthedon rileyana

Distinguished from other Synanthedon species by yellow banding on every abdominal segment (not partial banding) and the presence of a red discal cell on the forewing. Similar to S. decipiens and other clearwing moths but differs in abdominal pattern and host association. The combination of complete abdominal banding, red forewing discal cell, and association with horsenettle provides reliable identification.

Adults are wasp-mimicking clearwing moths with transparent, narrow wings due to reduced scaling. The body is elongate with yellow banding on every abdominal segment. The forewing possesses a distinctive red discal cell. Wingspan measures 20–23 mm. Males have bipectinate (feathery) antennae used to detect female pheromones.

Sandy areas in agricultural landscapes, particularly fence rows, drainage ditches, and fallow fields where horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) grows. Associated with disturbed, open habitats in the central and eastern United States.

United States: recorded from Arkansas, Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Distribution centered in the central and eastern United States.

Adults active from May to September. Multiple generations per year occur, with peak activity in late summer. In Missouri, adults have been observed in September, suggesting a bimodal or extended flight period.

Larvae feed internally as borers in stems of Solanum carolinense (horsenettle, Carolina horsenettle). Adult feeding habits not documented.

• Solanum carolinense - larval host plantlarvae bore into stems

Larval stage occurs within stems of horsenettle. Multiple generations per year suggested by extended adult flight period from May through September. Pupation site not documented. Overwintering stage unknown.

Adults are diurnal and active during daylight hours. Males use pheromones to locate females, detecting species-specific blends at extremely low concentrations. Adults are not attracted to light traps. Effective wasp mimicry in flight, with elongate body form and color pattern suggesting hymenopteran identity.

Larval borer in horsenettle, a native weedy plant. May contribute to biological suppression of this plant in agricultural settings. Adults serve as pollinators when visiting flowers. Was

Larvae bore into horsenettle, a problematic agricultural weed, potentially providing incidental biological control. No significant economic damage to crops documented. Adults occasionally mistaken for stinging wasps due to mimicry.

• Synanthedon decipiensOak gall borer with different host (oak galls) and abdominal banding pattern; lacks complete yellow banding on all segments and red forewing discal cell
• Synanthedon acerniMaple borer with different host (Acer) and abdominal pattern; has been recorded at blacklights unlike S. rileyana
• Synanthedon scitulaDogwood borer with different host (Cornus) and coloration; also recorded at blacklights

Adults are frequently mistaken for wasps due to effective mimicry, including body shape, coloration, and flight behavior. This mimicry is protective against predators but leads to human misidentification.

• clearwing moth
• sesiidae
• wasp mimic
• borer
• solanum
• diurnal
• pheromone
• agricultural weed
• multiple generations

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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