Hornet Moth
Sesia apiformis
This record describes Sesia apiformis (species). Recorded family: Sesiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 33 to 48 mm. Rather similar to the Lunar Hornet Moth, this species can easily be distinguished by the yellow head and tegulae. A good photograph is generally required to support your record and state whether pheromone lure used. The moths emerge in June and July, and can be found low down on the trunks in early to mid morning. The larvae burrow into the wood of Black Poplar ( Populus nigra ), and other species of Poplar. It has a southerly distribution, rarely being encountered north of the Midlands. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Wikipedia reference for Sesia apiformis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesia apiformis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Sesioidea
- Family
- Sesiidae (Clearwing Moths)
- Subfamily
- Sesiinae
- Tribe
- Sesiini
- Genus
- Sesia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around Poplars.
Seasonal Activity
The moths emerge in June and July, and can be found low down on the trunks in early to mid morning.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae burrow into the wood of Black Poplar (
Additional species information
Recorded status
It has a southerly distribution, rarely being encountered north of the Midlands. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Sesia apiformis. 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 Hornet Moth (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hornet Moth
What is Hornet Moth?
Hornet Moth (Sesia apiformis) is a species in the family Sesiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Hornet Moth found?
Habitat: Around Poplars.
When is Hornet Moth active?
Hornet Moth: seasonal activity - The moths emerge in June and July, and can be found low down on the trunks in early to mid morning..
What is the life cycle of a Hornet Moth?
The larvae burrow into the wood of Black Poplar (