Hornet Moth - Sesia apiformis

Description

Wingspan 33 to 48 mm. Rather similar to the Lunar Hornet Moth, this species can easily be distinguished by the yellow head and tegulae.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Around Poplars.

When to see it

The moths emerge in June and July, and can be found low down on the trunks in early to mid morning.

Life History

The larvae burrow into the wood of Black Poplar (Populus nigra), and other species of Poplar.

UK Status

It has a southerly distribution, rarely being encountered north of the Midlands. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

VC55 Status

Occasional or little recorded in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).

Reference
52.002 BF370

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Hornet Moth
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Sesiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
7
First record:
20/06/2008 (Cranston, Elspeth)
Last record:
26/06/2021 (Russell, Adrian)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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