Sesia apiformis

Hornet moth

A rather large wasp-like butterfly. As the common name suggests, this moth mimics the hornet. Adults emerge in June and July. The adult female tends to be fatter in the body than the male. The adult wingspan is 30–45 mm. They are often found on poplar trees, where they sit immediately after emergence. The hornet clearwing larva feeds mainly just beneath the surface of the bark, near ground level or below. Exit holes can often be seen at the base of poplar trees. It pupates in a cocoon made of gnawed wood and silk. Damaged trees with long larval tunnels inside can die. It prefers warmer localities. Trees in open habitats with little vegetation round the base. The related species Sesia bembeciformis is very similar, however much less frequent.

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A rather large wasp-like butterfly. Exit holes can often be seen at the base of poplar trees. Adults sitting on the tree trunks.

Tree Species: Poplar

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Pest group: Insect