Clearwing-moth
Guides
Eichlinia magnifica
Eichlinia magnifica is a clearwing moth species in the family Sesiidae, first described by Beutenmüller in 1900. It belongs to the tribe Melittiini within the subfamily Sesiinae. The genus Eichlinia was established to accommodate species formerly placed in related sesiid genera. Like other sesiid moths, adults likely exhibit wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and wasp-like body coloration. The species is classified as accepted in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
Eichlinia snowii
Clearwing Borer Moth
Eichlinia snowii is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Clearwing Borer Moth. It belongs to a group of moths that exhibit Batesian mimicry of wasps and hornets through transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. The species was described by Edwards in 1882 and is native to North America. Like other sesiid moths, adults are diurnal and often visit flowers.
Euhagena
Euhagena is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The genus contains seven described species distributed across North America and parts of Eurasia. Members exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and distinctive thoracic tufts. These moths are rarely attracted to light and are typically encountered by chance observation or through the use of pheromone lures.
Euhagena emphytiformis
Gaura Borer Moth
Euhagena emphytiformis is a North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Gaura Borer Moth. It is one of two species in its genus on the continent and is notable for its convincing wasp mimicry. Adults have been observed in pheromone traps in glade habitats, and larvae develop in the roots of evening primrose family plants.
Euhagena nebraskae
Nebraska Clearwing Moth
Euhagena nebraskae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Males exhibit highly bipectinate antennae and wispy white thoracic tufts, while females differ notably in appearance, showing strong sexual dimorphism. The species has been documented in the Great Plains region of North America, including Nebraska and Kansas, and is rarely attracted to light traps.
Hemaris aethra
Diervilla Clearwing
A day-flying hawkmoth native to northern North America. Adults are bumblebee mimics with clear wings and fuzzy bodies, hovering at flowers to feed on nectar. Elevated to species status in 2018 after long being considered a subspecies of H. diffinis; the two species remain extremely difficult to distinguish visually where they co-occur.
Hemaris diffinis
Snowberry Clearwing, Hummingbird Moth, Flying Lobster, Bumblebee Sphinx Moth
Hemaris diffinis is a day-flying sphinx moth notable for its bumblebee mimicry and clear, scale-free wing patches. Adults hover at flowers to feed on nectar using an exceptionally long proboscis. The species was historically confused with the cryptic Hemaris aethra in eastern North America, distinguished only recently through molecular and morphological analysis. Larvae are hornworm caterpillars that feed on various host plants including honeysuckle and snowberry.
Hemaris gracilis
slender clearwing, graceful clearwing
Hemaris gracilis, commonly known as the slender clearwing or graceful clearwing, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It is distinguished from related clearwing moths by red-brown bands on the thorax and a red abdomen. The species is considered the rarest of the three North American Hemaris species and is listed as threatened in Connecticut and of Special Concern in Massachusetts. Adults are active from March through August, with likely two generations per year in its range.
Hemaris thetis
Rocky Mountain Clearwing, California Clearwing
Hemaris thetis is a day-flying sphinx moth in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain clearwing or California clearwing. The species exhibits clearwing morphology with reduced wing scaling, resembling a bumblebee in flight. Adults are active from May to August and feed on nectar from various flowers. The species was first described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1855 and occurs in mountainous regions of western North America.
Hymenoclea palmii
Burrowbush Borer Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, notable for its wasp-mimicking appearance. The species is associated with burrobrush (Hymenoclea monogyra), a toxic desert shrub. Adults are active during the summer monsoon season in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The common name reflects its larval association with the host plant's stems or roots.
Osminia
Osminia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, established by Le Cerf in 1917. The genus comprises 14 described species distributed across multiple continents including North America, Africa, and Asia. Species in this genus belong to the tribe Osminiini. The genus includes both relatively recently described species (several named by Duckworth & Eichlin in 1983 and Eichlin in 1998) and older descriptions dating to the 19th century.
Osminiini
clearwing moths (tribe)
Osminiini is a tribe of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Duckworth & Eichlin in 1977. Members are characterized by Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, including spider wasps (Pompilidae) and bees. The tribe includes genera such as Melanosphecia, Akaisphecia, and Heterosphecia. Species exhibit specialized morphological adaptations including metallic coloration, transparent wings, long hind legs, and wasp-waist illusions that enhance their resemblance to hymenopteran models.
Palmia
Palmia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Sesiidae, established by William Beutenmüller in 1896. The genus contains a single species, Palmia praecedens, described by Henry Edwards in 1883. As a member of the clearwing moth family, adults likely exhibit wasp-mimicking characteristics common to this group.
Paranthrene asilipennis
Oak Stump Borer Moth
Paranthrene asilipennis, known as the Oak Stump Borer Moth, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and a wasp-like body form. The species has been documented across Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are associated with woody plants.
Paranthrene dollii
Doll's clearwing moth, cottonwood clearwing borer, poplar borer moth, Doll's clearwing, cottonwood clearwing, poplar borer
Paranthrene dollii is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to North America. Adults are active from March through October and may produce multiple flights per season. The species is notable for its wasp-mimicking appearance and its larval association with poplar and willow trees, earning it the common name 'cottonwood clearwing borer.'
Paranthrene fenestrata
Paranthrene fenestrata is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Barnes and Lindsey in 1922. Members of this family are known for their wasp- or bee-mimicking appearance, achieved through transparent wings and body coloration. The genus Paranthrene includes species that often exhibit this form of protective mimicry.
Paranthrene pellucida
Pine Oak Clearwing
Paranthrene pellucida is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described in 1979. The common name "Pine Oak Clearwing" suggests association with pine and oak habitats. Like other sesiid moths, adults are wasp mimics with transparent wings and typically have larvae that bore into woody plants. The species is known from the Nearctic region with records from Vermont and the United States.
Paranthrene robiniae
western poplar clearwing, western poplar clearwing moth
Paranthrene robiniae, commonly known as the western poplar clearwing moth, is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. This species is notable for its broad geographic distribution across western North America, ranging from Alaska to southern California and eastward into the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. As a member of the Sesiidae, it likely exhibits wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family, though specific morphological details are not well documented in available sources. The species name 'robiniae' suggests a possible association with Robinia (locust/black locust), though this host relationship requires confirmation.
Paranthrene simulans
Hornet Clearwing Moth, Red Oak Clearwing Borer, Oak Clearwing Borer
Paranthrene simulans is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its striking resemblance to hornets or wasps. Adults are active during daylight hours and are frequently mistaken for hymenopterans due to their transparent wings, wasp-like coloration, and flight behavior. The species is distributed across eastern North America, where larvae develop as borers in oak and other hardwood trees.
Paranthrene sogaardi
Paranthrene sogaardi is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Taft & Smith in 2024. As a member of the genus Paranthrene, it likely exhibits the bee-mimicry characteristics common to this group, including reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas and wasp-like coloration. The species is newly described with limited published information available.
Paranthrene tabaniformis
dusky clearwing, dusky clearwing moth, poplar clearwing moth
Paranthrene tabaniformis, the dusky clearwing moth, is a sesiid moth native to the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of wasps, with transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. Adults are active from May to August, with flight activity varying by location. The larvae are wood-borers that develop through 6-7 instars, feeding internally on poplar, willow, and sea-buckthorn before pupating in chambers within larval galleries.
Paranthrenini
Paranthrenini is a tribe of clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) established by Niculescu in 1964. The tribe belongs to the Adixoa genera group, which includes African genera such as Fortikona, Rubukona, and Thyranthrene. Members of this tribe are characterized by wasp-mimicking morphology and diurnal activity patterns typical of sesiid moths.
Pennisetia marginatum
Raspberry Crown Borer
Pennisetia marginatum, commonly known as the Raspberry Crown Borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. The species is known for its wasp-mimicking appearance and its association with Rubus host plants. It is distributed across the Nearctic region, with records from the Canadian prairies and presumably throughout much of its North American range.
Penstemonia dammersi
Penstemonia dammersi is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Engelhardt in 1946. The genus Penstemonia is small and specialized, with species associated with Penstemon host plants. This moth belongs to the tribe Synanthedonini, which includes many wasp-mimicking species with reduced wing scaling. Records indicate limited observation data, with only seven documented observations on iNaturalist.
Penstemonia hennei
Penstemonia hennei is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Engelhardt in 1946. Members of the genus Penstemonia are known as wasp-mimicking moths with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is known from limited records in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.
Podosesia
Ash and Lilac Borer Moths
Podosesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, established by Möschler in 1879 after the original name Grotea was found to be preoccupied. The genus contains at least three described species in North America, including the economically significant lilac borer (P. syringae) and the banded ash clearwing (P. aureocincta). Larvae are wood-borers in woody plants of the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash, lilac, and privet. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry in both appearance and behavior.
Podosesia aureocincta
Banded Ash Borer Moth, Banded Ash Clearwing
Podosesia aureocincta is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that infests ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Unlike the invasive emerald ash borer, this native pest causes gradual damage over years or decades rather than rapid tree mortality. Adults emerge in late summer, exhibiting Batesian mimicry of paper wasps with their yellow-banded abdomens and clear wings. Larvae tunnel beneath bark, producing sawdust-like frass and round exit holes distinct from the D-shaped holes of emerald ash borer. The species is distributed across the Nearctic region.
Podosesia syringae
Lilac Borer, Ash Borer, Lilac Borer Moth
Podosesia syringae, commonly known as the lilac borer or ash borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae found throughout Canada and the United States. The adult moth mimics the appearance of a paper wasp, with transparent wings lacking scales and a wasp-like body form. Larvae tunnel beneath the bark of ash and lilac trees, feeding on the nutritious tissue and potentially causing significant damage over time. The species is a pest of concern for arborists and forest managers, with emergence timing predictable through phenological models based on heat accumulation.
Sannina uroceriformis
Persimmon Borer Moth, persimmon borer
Sannina uroceriformis, commonly known as the persimmon borer moth, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It is native to the eastern and central United States. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females slightly larger than males. The common name references its larval association with persimmon trees.
Sesia
clearwing moths
Sesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by their wasp-like appearance due to transparent wings and narrow bodies. These diurnal moths are active during daylight hours and are often mistaken for hymenopterans. The genus includes species that develop as wood-boring larvae in various tree hosts.
Sesiinae
clearwing moths
The Sesiinae are a subfamily of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Boisduval in 1828. Members are characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, mimicking wasps or hornets in appearance. The subfamily includes multiple tribes, notably Synanthedonini, which contains genera such as Carmenta, Tipulamima, and Macrotarsipodes. Species occur across multiple continents with documented host associations including Clerodendrum paniculatum (Lamiaceae) and Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae).
Sesiini
clearwing moths
Sesiini is a tribe of clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent, wasp-like appearance. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions. Members of this tribe are diurnal and often mimic hymenopterans in appearance and flight behavior.
Sophona snellingi
Sophona snellingi is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Eichlin in 1986. It belongs to the subfamily Tinthiinae, a group of relatively small and poorly known sesiid moths. The species is named in honor of entomologist Roy R. Snelling. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to exhibit wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and a slender body form.
Synanthedon acerni
Maple Callus Borer, Maple Callus Borer Moth
Synanthedon acerni, the maple callus borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are active primarily during late spring and early summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is associated with maple trees, where larvae develop as borers in host tissue.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon albicornis
Western Willow Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon albicornis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Western Willow Clearwing Moth. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and distinctive white thoracic tufts composed of hair-like scales. Like other sesiids, it is a wasp mimic with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon alleri
Synanthedon alleri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to the Nearctic region. The species was originally described as Thamnosphecia alleri in 1946 and later transferred to Synanthedon. As with other sesiids, it exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology and reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species appears to be rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Synanthedon arizonensis
Arizona Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon arizonensis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Like other members of its genus, it likely bores into woody plants as larvae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. It belongs to a group of moths that are generally not attracted to light traps, making them difficult to survey using standard moth-collecting methods.
Synanthedon bibionipennis
Strawberry Crown Moth
Synanthedon bibionipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the strawberry crown moth. Adults are active from April to August and are diurnal. The species has one generation per year. Larvae are borers that feed internally on the crowns and roots of various rosaceous plants.
Synanthedon bolteri
Northern Willow Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon bolteri, commonly known as the Northern Willow Clearwing Moth, is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It occurs in the Nearctic region, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of the genus Synanthedon, it is likely a wood-boring species associated with willow or related host plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon castaneae
Chestnut Clearwing Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, Synanthedon castaneae is a specialist associated with Castanea (chestnut) trees. The species is part of a guild of insects that historically relied on American chestnut (Castanea dentata) as a host, and like other members of this community, has been affected by the decline of this keystone tree species due to chestnut blight. The common name reflects this host association.
Synanthedon culiciformis
large red-belted clearwing, Large Red-belted Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon culiciformis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Adults are active from April to August and exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration. The species develops as a wood-boring larva in deciduous trees, particularly birch and alder.
Synanthedon decipiens
oakgall clearwing, oak gall borer, Oak Gall Borer Moth
Synanthedon decipiens is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, found in eastern North America. The species develops as a borer within woody oak galls formed by cynipid wasps. Adults are active primarily in June, with a possible second generation in September in some regions. The moth exhibits effective wasp mimicry, with a slender body, narrow transparent wings, and yellow abdominal banding.
Synanthedon exitiosa
peachtree borer, Peachtree Borer Moth
Synanthedon exitiosa, commonly known as the peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth native to North America and a significant pest of stone fruit trees. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in both size and wing appearance. Larvae bore into the trunks and root crowns of Prunus species, feeding on cambium and phloem tissue, often causing tree death. Adult females use semiochemical cues, including compounds from larval gum frass, to locate suitable oviposition sites.
Synanthedon fatifera
Arrowwood Clearwing Moth
A clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Arrowwood Clearwing Moth. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking, with predominantly dark coloration and pale markings. The species is known for boring into the crowns of Viburnum shrubs, where larval feeding can cause significant damage to host plants. It occurs across the northern Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America.
Synanthedon fulvipes
Synanthedon fulvipes is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Harris in 1839. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is part of a group of wood-boring moths whose larvae develop within plant tissues. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Synanthedon helenis
Helenis clearwing
Synanthedon helenis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, distributed across the Canadian Prairie Provinces. The species exhibits typical sesiid characteristics including reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent, wasp-like appearance. Like many clearwing moths, it is primarily diurnal and not attracted to lights. The specific host plants and larval biology remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon kathyae
Holly Borer Moth
Synanthedon kathyae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Holly Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to lights, making it difficult to encounter except by chance observation or pheromone lures.
Synanthedon mellinipennis
Ceanothus Borer Moth
Synanthedon mellinipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Ceanothus Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and hymenopteran-like body form. The species is associated with Ceanothus host plants, with larvae boring into stems or roots. Adults are diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon pictipes
lesser peachtree borer, lesser peach tree borer
Synanthedon pictipes, commonly known as the lesser peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with narrow, nearly scaleless wings and a black-and-white color pattern. The species is a significant pest of stone fruit trees, particularly peach, with larvae boring into trunks and branches. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to Texas.