Red-tipped Clearwing
Synanthedon formicaeformis
This record describes Synanthedon formicaeformis (species). Recorded family: Sesiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 17 to19 mm. This moth derives its English name from the reddish patches at the tips of the forewings. When adding a record please state whether a pheromone lure was used. The species inhabits fens, marshes and other damp localities. Larvae feed inside the stems of various species of Willow and especially Osier. It can be found locally throughout much of England, southern Scotland, south Wales and scarcely in parts of Ireland. 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. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Synanthedon formicaeformis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synanthedon formicaeformis.
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
The species inhabits fens, marshes and other damp localities.
Seasonal Activity
It flies between May and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed inside the stems of various species of Willow and especially Osier.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It can be found locally throughout much of England, southern Scotland, south Wales and scarcely in parts of Ireland. 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 formicaeformis. 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 Red-tipped Clearwing (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-tipped Clearwing
What is Red-tipped Clearwing?
Red-tipped Clearwing (Synanthedon formicaeformis) is a species in the family Sesiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Red-tipped Clearwing found?
Habitat: The species inhabits fens, marshes and other damp localities.
When is Red-tipped Clearwing active?
Red-tipped Clearwing: seasonal activity - It flies between May and July..
What is the life cycle of a Red-tipped Clearwing?
Larvae feed inside the stems of various species of Willow and especially Osier.