Currant Clearwing - Synanthedon tipuliformis

A rather small species with a wingspan of 17-20 mm.

Tends to be found around allotments, gardens and other similar places where the larval foodplant is present.

On the wing between late May and July.

The larvae of this species feed internally on the shoots of Red Currant and Black Currant bushes (Ribes).

Currant Clearwing is widely distributed throughout England and Wales, extending into parts of Scotland, but was previously thought to be uncommon. 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.

Currant Clearwing was previously believed to be very uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, but the introduction of an effective pheromone lure for this species has shown it to be more common in our area than previously thought.