Currant Clearwing
Synanthedon tipuliformis
This record describes Synanthedon tipuliformis (species). Recorded family: Sesiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A rather small species with a wingspan of 17-20 mm. When adding a record please state whether a pheromone lure was used. Tends to be found around allotments, gardens and other similar places where the larval foodplant is present. The larvae of this species feed internally on the shoots of Red Currant and Black Currant bushes ( Ribes ). Currant Clearwing is widely distributed throughout England and Wales, extending into parts of Scotland, but was previously thought to be uncommon. 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.
Wikipedia reference for Synanthedon tipuliformis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synanthedon tipuliformis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Sesioidea
- Family
- Sesiidae (Clearwing Moths)
- Subfamily
- Sesiinae
- Tribe
- Synanthedonini
- Genus
- Synanthedon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tends to be found around allotments, gardens and other similar places where the larval foodplant is present.
Seasonal Activity
On the wing between late May and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feed internally on the shoots of Red Currant and Black Currant bushes (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Currant Clearwing is widely distributed throughout England and Wales, extending into parts of Scotland, but was previously thought to be uncommon. 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.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Synanthedon tipuliformis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Currant Clearwing (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Currant Clearwing
What is Currant Clearwing?
Currant Clearwing (Synanthedon tipuliformis) is a species in the family Sesiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Currant Clearwing found?
Habitat: Tends to be found around allotments, gardens and other similar places where the larval foodplant is present.
When is Currant Clearwing active?
Currant Clearwing: seasonal activity - On the wing between late May and July..
What is the life cycle of a Currant Clearwing?
The larvae of this species feed internally on the shoots of Red Currant and Black Currant bushes (