Synanthedon tipuliformis

Distinguished from similar clearwing moths (Synanthedon spuleri, S. conopiformis, S. cephiformis, S. flaviventris, S. loranthi) by the combination of: yellow thoracic stripes, specific abdominal ring pattern (segment 7 ring present in males only), and the elongated forewing discal spot. Reliable identification requires specialist examination due to minimal external differences among congeners. Pheromone lures specific to this species can aid detection.

Adults have transparent wings with scales restricted to veins, discal spots, and margins, giving a blue-black sheen. Wingspan 17–20 mm. Forewings bear weak reddish or yellowish longitudinal stripes at the apex and an elongated black-brown discal spot extending from front to rear margin. Hindwings have a narrow dark marginal band and small black-brown discal spot. Antennae are black with yellow dusting on the underside. Thorax is black with lateral yellow stripes. Abdomen is black with thin yellow rings on segments 2, 4, 6, and 7 in males; segments 2, 4, and 6 in females. Tufts are strongly fan-shaped and blue-black.

Found in agricultural and horticultural settings where Ribes species are cultivated, including blackcurrant, redcurrant, and gooseberry plantings. Also occurs in wild or feral Ribes populations. In invaded regions, established in areas with suitable host plants.

Native to the Palearctic realm (Europe, Asia). Invasive in the Nearctic realm (North America) and Australasian realm (Australia, New Zealand). Within invaded ranges, distribution follows commercial and wild Ribes plantings.

Adults fly from April to July in the Palearctic, with timing varying by location. In Tasmania, adults emerge November to early January. In New Zealand Canterbury, adults occur mid-November to early January. Flight activity peaks at air temperatures of 20–23°C, with activity ceasing below 15°C. Peak flight occurs on cloudy days.

Larvae feed internally on the pith of Ribes canes, including Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant), R. rubrum (redcurrant), and R. uva-crispa (gooseberry). Adults do not feed.

• Ribes nigrum - larval hostblackcurrant; primary cultivated host
• Ribes rubrum - larval hostredcurrant
• Ribes uva-crispa - larval hostgooseberry

Univoltine (one generation per year). Eggs laid on canes, often near wounds, buds, or openings; mean fecundity approximately 100 eggs per female. Egg incubation averages 19 days. Larvae bore into canes through openings or axillary buds, then feed on pith until late autumn, tunneling mean 15.2 cm of pith. Larvae enter winter quiescence and resume feeding in late winter to spring. Six larval instars suggested. Pupation occurs in mid-spring to early summer; pupal stage lasts up to 6 weeks. Adults emerge, live approximately 7 days, and do not feed.

Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp-mimicry in appearance and flight. Females display bimodal calling behavior to attract males: peak calling occurs approximately 2 hours before sunset, with secondary activity at sunrise for about 30 minutes and increasing intensity from mid-morning through afternoon. Calling occurs primarily from undersides of leaves. Calling timing and duration are influenced by temperature and light intensity. One- to two-day-old females call most intensively; calling onset shifts earlier by up to 3 hours over successive days, likely enhancing mating probability. Males are attracted to female sex pheromones between 1400–1600 h. Mating lasts over 2 hours. Adults fly rapidly and low near vegetation. Most individuals are not attracted to lights, though occasional captures at blacklights have been reported for some Synanthedon species.

Pest species in Ribes cultivation, causing economic damage through larval tunneling that weakens canes and reduces yield. In invaded regions, populations may experience reduced parasitism and predation compared to native range. First record of Cordyceps sp. fungus attacking this species reported from New Zealand.

Significant agricultural pest of currants and gooseberries worldwide. Larval boring damages canes, reducing plant vigor and fruit production. Management includes pruning of infested wood, pheromone monitoring traps, and targeted insecticide applications. Pruning of 1- and 2-year-old wood, which harbors most larvae, can reduce populations. The species' wasp-mimic appearance can cause misidentification by growers and observers.

• Synanthedon spuleriSpuler's clearwing; extremely similar external morphology requiring specialist examination for reliable separation
• Synanthedon conopiformisSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by subtle differences in abdominal pattern and genitalia
• Synanthedon cephiformisFir clearwing; similar transparent-winged appearance but associated with Abies rather than Ribes
• Synanthedon flaviventrisSallow clearwing; similar morphology but associated with Salix and Populus
• Synanthedon loranthiMistletoe clearwing; similar appearance but associated with mistletoe parasites (Loranthaceae)

• pest
• clearwing moth
• Ribes pest
• invasive species
• wasp mimic
• internal feeder
• univoltine

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Euhagena nebraskae… again | Beetles In The Bush
• Calling behaviour of females of currant clearwing moth, Synanthedon tipuliformis (Clerck) (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae)
• Life tables of currant clearwing, Synanthedon tipuliformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), in blackcurrant in Canterbury
• THE BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF CURRANT BORER MOTH, SYNANTHEDON TIPULIFORMIS(CLERCK) (LEPIDOPTERA: AEGERIIDAE) IN TASMANIA
• The biology and life history of currant clearwing, Synanthedon tipuliformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), in Canterbury
• Distribution and Invasion of Clearwing Moth Synanthedon Tipuliformis Cl.,a Pest Of Currant, in Latvia
• The distribution and dispersion of life stages of currant clearwing, Synanthedon tipuliformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), in blackcurrant
• The genome sequence of the Currant Clearwing moth, Synanthedon tipuliformis (Clerck, 1759).