This moth can be distinguished from the Large Red-belted and Red-tipped Clearwings by the absence of any red markings on the forewings.

The adults are occasionally seen flying around apple trees in the afternoon. The caterpillars can be found feeding underneath the bark of the foodplant from August to the following May, overwintering as larvae.

Size and Family

  • Family – Clearwing moths (Sesiidae)
  • Small Sized
  • Wingspan Range – 18-22mm

Conservation status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Nationally Scarce B

Caterpillar Food Plants

Apple, including Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) and also Pear (Pryus communis), Hawthorn (Crateagus monogyna), Almond (Prunus dulcis) and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Habitat

Well established orchards and gardens, hedgerows, open woodland and mature scrub

Distribution

  • Countries – England and Wales
  • Nationally Scarce B. Found locally in most counties in southern England south of the Humber. Also recorded in Yorkshire, North Wales and Lancashire.
Red-belted Clearwing - Ryszard Szczygieł

Red-belted Clearwing

Red-belted Clearwing - Ryszard Szczygieł

Red-belted Clearwing

Red-belted Clearwing - Patrick Clement

Red-belted Clearwing

Red-belted Clearwing - Patrick Clement

Red-belted Clearwing