Orange-tailed Clearwing

Orange-tailed Clearwing - Synanthedon andrenaeformis

Description

Wingspan 18 to 22 mm.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

Usually found on chalk downland, preferring the edges of woodland.

When to see it

The adults fly in May and June, but are very difficult to locate unless a lure is used.

Life History

The larva lives for two years or more, boring into the stems of the Wayfaring-tree and Guelder-rose.

UK Status

This species occurs in central southern England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain Orange-tailed Clearwing 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.

VC55 Status

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.

Reference
52.010 BF378

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records