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
