Sallow Clearwing
Synanthedon flaviventris
This record describes Synanthedon flaviventris (species). Recorded family: Sesiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the smallest British clearwings with a wingspan of 17 to 20 mm. Similar in appearance to Currant Clearwing, but Sallow Clearwing has an all black thorax - Currant Clearwing has yellow marks on the thorax. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. When adding a record please state whether a pheromone lure was used. It inhabits woodland and damp places, and is associated with Salix spp. 'sallows' including Goat Willow and Grey Willow. Occurs in Britain in a two year cycle, appearing in years with an even number. Adults fly from around mid-June to mid-July. The larvae live in the stems of sallow ( Salix ), forming a distinctive gall. A rather uncommon and local species, being most frequent in central, southern England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Sesiidae
- Genus
- Synanthedon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland and damp places, and is associated with Salix spp. 'sallows' including Goat Willow and Grey Willow.
Seasonal Activity
Occurs in Britain in a two year cycle, appearing in years with an even number. Adults fly from around mid-June to mid-July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae live in the stems of sallow (
Additional species information
Recorded status
A rather uncommon and local species, being most frequent in central, southern England. 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 Synanthedon flaviventris. 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 Sallow Clearwing (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sallow Clearwing
What is Sallow Clearwing?
Sallow Clearwing (Synanthedon flaviventris) is a species in the family Sesiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Sallow Clearwing found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland and damp places, and is associated with Salix spp. 'sallows' including Goat Willow and Grey Willow.
When is Sallow Clearwing active?
Sallow Clearwing: seasonal activity - Occurs in Britain in a two year cycle, appearing in years with an even number. Adults fly from around mid-June to mid-July..
What is the life cycle of a Sallow Clearwing?
The larvae live in the stems of sallow (