Sallow Clearwing

Sallow Clearwing - Synanthedon flaviventris

Description

One of the smallest British clearwings with a wingspan of 17 to 20 mm.

Similar Species

Similar in appearance to Currant Clearwing, but Sallow Clearwing has an all black thorax - Currant Clearwing has yellow marks on the thorax.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Good photographs and/or the specimen required. When adding a record please state whether a pheromone lure was used.

Habitat

It inhabits woodland and damp places, and is associated with Salix spp. 'sallows' including Goat Willow and Grey Willow.

When to see it

Occurs in Britain in a two year cycle, appearing in years with an even number.  Adults fly from around mid-June to mid-July.

Life History

The larvae live in the stems of sallow (Salix), forming a distinctive gall. 

UK Status

A rather uncommon and local species, being most frequent in central, southern England.  In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

VC55 Status

Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55.

Further Information

52.009 BF377

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records