White Barred Clearwing

The antennae also have a whitish band near the tips and there is a small yellowish-white spot or dash at the rear of the thorax.

The caterpillars spend two years feeding near the base of a tree trunk or in the roots, overwintering as larvae.

Size and Family

• Family – Clearwing moths (Sesiidae)
• Small Sized
• Wingspan Range – 24-28mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Nationally Scarce B

Caterpillar Food Plants

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and birches.

Habitat

Heathland, raised mosses, alder groves, stream and woodland edges and glades in damp woodlands.

Distribution

• Countries – England and Wales
• Nationally Scarce B. Widely distributed in south-east England west to the Isle of Wight and Hampshire and north to Essex and East Anglia. Also in Gloucestershire, West Midlands and north to Cumbria as well as north and south Wales.