The Sesiidae or clearwing moths are a diurnal moth family in the order Lepidoptera known for their Batesian mimicry in both appearance and behaviour of various Hymenoptera.
The family consists of 165 genera spread over two subfamilies, containing in total 1525 species and 49 subspecies,[1] most of which occur in the tropics, though there are many species in the Holarctic region as well, including over a hundred species known to occur in Europe.[2]: Backcover, 6
Sesiidae are characterized by their hymenopteriform[a] Batesian mimicry, frequently of identifiable species.[2]: 11, 16 Most species of Sesiidae have wings with areas where scales are nearly completely absent, resulting in partial, marked transparency.[2]: 11 Forewings are commonly elongated and narrow in the basal half.[2]: 11 In many species, the abdomen is elongated, with an anal tuft, and striped or ringed yellow, red or white,[2]: 11 sometimes very brightly so. Legs are long, thin and frequently coloured,[2]: 11 and in some species the hind-legs are elongated.[3] In European species, the wing span ranges from 8 to 48 mm.[2]: 11
Larvae lack pigment. Segments of the thorax are somewhat enlarged.[2]: 11
The larvae of the Sesiidae typically bore in wood or burrow in plant roots. Many species are serious pests of fruit-tree or timber cultivation, or crop plants (e.g. Melittia spp. on squash) (Edwards et al., 1999). Larval development lasts 1–4 years, pupal stage 10–20 days.[2]: 16
Adults are diurnally active.[3][2]: 16 Movements, including flight, mimic those of Hymenoptera spp.[2]: 16 Specimens are commonly collected using pheromone lures.[3][2]: 22
Synanthedon tipuliformis, larva The Sesiidae or clearwing moths are a diurnal moth family in the order Lepidoptera known for their Batesian mimicry in both appearance and behaviour of various Hymenoptera.
The family consists of 165 genera spread over two subfamilies, containing in total 1525 species and 49 subspecies, most of which occur in the tropics, though there are many species in the Holarctic region as well, including over a hundred species known to occur in Europe.: Backcover, 6
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