CLEARWING SUCCESS IN SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE

Jenna and I had arranged a day’s mothing with my good friend Phil Jones, hoping to catch up with some of the early-season Clearwings that are now beginning to emerge. Two species were on the target list, and Phil knew both sites in South Staffordshire where we would stand a good chance of finding them.

We arrived during the early afternoon and soon set up the pheromone lures amongst the sunny woodland edge habitat. It didn’t take long before there was a sudden burst of activity, and my first White-barred Clearwing came buzzing into view. These remarkable moths are always a thrill to see, with their transparent wings and wasp-like appearance making them unlike most other British moths.

Private site-South Staffordshire

White-barred Clearwing

The habitat here was ideal for Clearwings, with a mixture of heathland, raised mosses, alder groves, streams and woodland rides cutting through damp woodland. These warm, sheltered edges and glades are perfect places to search for these elusive moths during their short flight season.

The species itself is a distinctive one, showing creamy-white patches near the tips of the antennae along with similarly coloured bands on the tegulae and the second abdominal segment. There is also a small yellowish-white dash towards the rear of the thorax, a feature that helps separate it from some of the other Clearwing species.

Like many members of the family, the moth spends far longer as a larva than as an adult. The caterpillars feed concealed within the wood or around the roots of birch (Betula) and alder (Alnus), often remaining in this stage for two or even three years before emerging. The larvae usually overwinter hidden deep within the tree, safe from predators and the worst of the weather.

Although locally distributed across south-east and north-west England, as well as parts of Wales, it can be very difficult to encounter without the use of pheromone lures. After getting good views, we headed further south to Cannock Chase

Arriving at Cannock Chase, we made the twenty-minute walk to the site, a small clearing surrounded by birch trees with several piles of cut birch logs nearby. It looked perfect for our second target species, and once again, luck was on our side.

It took only five minutes before Phil spotted one already in view, although it quickly disappeared before Jenna and I could get onto it. We continued moving the pheromone lures around the area, hoping for another chance, and after a few more minutes, our patience paid off when two moths came buzzing in towards the lure, giving us fantastic views.

Large Red-belted Clearwing

Although generally larger than the similar Red-belted Clearwing, the sizes can overlap, and the best feature to look for is the orange-red suffusion at the base of the forewings. In the right light, this gives the moth a particularly striking appearance.

This species flies earlier in the year than many of the other Clearwings, usually appearing during May and June. It is strongly associated with heathland and woodland habitats where birch (Betula) is plentiful, and is known from much of mainland Britain, although it remains a highly sought-after species for many moth recorders.

What a day it turned out to be, with excellent views of both target species. A huge thank you goes to my good friend Phil Jones for all the local knowledge and guidance on where to see these remarkable moths. Two more species were added to the list, and memories that will stay with us for a long time.

Another great afternoon!