During a trip to Scotland with my good friends Phil Jones and Dan Pointon, I discovered a world I hadn’t explored before: Clearwing moths. Phil mentioned he knew a few local sites near Newcastle-under-Lyme that were perfect for trapping these fascinating insects. One day spent there changed everything. I was hooked.
Clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) are some of the UK’s most remarkable moths. Unlike the majority of their nocturnal relatives, these are day-flying insects that have evolved to mimic wasps and bees. This clever disguise protects them from predators, but it also makes them incredibly elusive to the casual observer.
There are around 16 resident species of Clearwing moth recorded in the UK, though new discoveries and rediscoveries continue to surprise recorders. In recent years, species once thought exceptionally rare have been found more widely thanks to the growing use of pheromone lures. Some have only been discovered or rediscovered in Britain relatively recently. The Sallow Clearwing, for example, was only first discovered in Britain in 1926, while the Dusky Clearwing was believed extinct in the UK after disappearing for almost a century before being rediscovered in 2021. Species such as the Raspberry Clearwing have only been discovered in Britain within the last couple of decades, first being recorded in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire in 2007.
The rediscovery of the Dusky Clearwing has been one of the most exciting recent developments in British moth recording. Before 2021, it had not been seen in Britain since 1924. Yet, the increasing use of specialised pheromone lures has since revealed populations in several counties, suggesting the species may have been quietly surviving undetected for decades.
Since that first day, I’ve spent countless hours following their trails, armed with pheromone lures designed to attract males. Watching these delicate, transparent-winged insects dart among willow, poplar, and apple trees is an unforgettable experience.
Why They Captivate
-
Mimicry Masters: Many species resemble Hymenoptera, fooling predators and observers alike.
-
Diurnal Activity: Clearwings are active during the day, unlike most moths, making encounters both rare and thrilling.
-
Elusive Nature: Even when you know where to look, successful trapping and observation require patience and precision.
Tips for Trapping and Observing
-
Pheromone Lures: Synthetic female pheromones are essential, especially for the rarer species.
-
Flight Periods: Most species are on the wing from May to August, though timing varies with latitude and host plant growth.
-
Habitat Matters: Preserving host plants such as willow, poplar, apple, and currant is vital. Larvae often develop in older trees or dead wood, highlighting the importance of maintaining natural habitats.
The recent rise in Clearwing recording has transformed our understanding of these moths. Species such as the Red-tipped Clearwing and Orange-tailed Clearwing are now known to be far more widespread than previously believed, largely due to the effectiveness of modern pheromone lures.
Each successful trap feels like a small triumph, a fleeting encounter with a creature perfectly adapted to its world. What began as curiosity has quickly become an obsession, each new species adding another piece to the puzzle of Britain’s remarkable Clearwing fauna.
Species I’ve Trapped So Far:
Fiery Clearwing-Undisclosed Site-Kent-19th June 2025
Lunar Hornet Moth-Trent & Mersey Canal-28th June 2025
Current Clearwing-Allotment-Stoke on Trent-26th June 2025
Six-belted Clearwing-The Void-Silverdale Country Park-Newcastle Under Lyme-26th June 2025
Yellow-legged Clearing-Trenham Gardens-Newcastle Under Lyme-26th June 2025
Welsh Clearwing-Stepping Stones-Cannock Chase-Staffordshire
26th June 2025
Red-belted Clearwing-Brightwell-cum-Sotwell-Oxfordshire
2nd July 2025
Red-Tipped Clearwing-Dry Sandford Pit-Oxfordshire
3rd July 2025
White-barred Clearwing-South Staffordshire
23rd May 2026
Large Red-belted Clearwing-Cannock Chase
23rd May 2026
Thrift Clearwing-Pen Dinas Nature Reserve-Aberystwyth6th June 2026
Orange-tailed Clearwing-Brightwell-cum-Sotwell-Oxfordshire8th June 2026
Sallow Clearwing-Andover-Anton Lakes-Hampshire
Hornet Moth-Pitsford Reservoir-Northamptonshire28th June 2026
Dusky Clearwing-Lakenheath-Suffolk-4th July 2026
Raspberry Clearwing-Private site-Woodcote-Oxfordshire-15th July 2026
MISSION COMPLETE – ALL 16 BRITISH CLEARWINGS SEEN
Well, after two years of trying for Raspberry Clearwing, I was scrolling through Facebook when a guy called Jean posted in the Clearwing Moths Facebook group that he had trapped one near the Chilterns, Oxfordshire. As soon as I saw the post, I messaged Jean, and after several texts back and forth, we made plans to visit the site.
Jean had found this site by exploring the local woodlands around where he lives, looking for patches of wild raspberry. It wasn't somewhere I would ever have thought of looking.
Wild Raspberry
As soon as we put out the pheromone lure, a Raspberry Clearwing came straight in before flying off again. We walked further down the woodland ride, and another came into the lure. Finally, one flew into the trap, giving us brilliant views.
Raspberry Clearwing
(c) Jean-Paul Brouard
I honestly couldn't believe I had finally seen one. I had spent countless hours searching around allotments over the last couple of years, thinking that was where I'd eventually find one, yet here in this woodland were several small colonies tucked away amongst the wild raspberry. It just shows that sometimes thinking outside the box really does pay off.
The Raspberry Clearwing has a remarkably long life cycle, spending up to two years as a larva feeding inside the roots and lower stems of raspberry canes before pupating for just a few weeks and emerging as an adult during July. The larvae overwinter twice within the roots and stems before forming a gall at the base of the cane during their second year.
The species is thought to have been accidentally introduced into Britain from mainland Europe on imported raspberry plants. It was first recorded in Britain in 2007 in North Hertfordshire and South Cambridgeshire after Jim Reid discovered larval workings while pruning raspberry canes in his garden. Adults were later confirmed using pheromone lures in nearby fruit farms. Although fairly widespread across mainland Europe, Raspberry Clearwing doesn't disperse over long distances, which supports the theory that our British population originated from imported plants.
A massive thank you to Jean for taking the time to meet me and show me this fantastic site. Without his local knowledge, I'd probably still be searching allotments!
With today's success, I've now seen all 16 British clearwing species. It's been a brilliant journey that's taken me to some amazing places around the country. I've learnt so much about their food plants, habitats and life cycles, met some great people along the way and spent countless hours travelling and searching for these incredible moths.
Finally seeing Raspberry Clearwing and completing the full set is something I'll never forget. Every mile travelled, every early start, and every failed search has been worth it. Mission accomplished.
