52.003 BF0371 - Lunar Hornet Moth - Sesiidae - Sesia bembeciformis

52.003 BF0371 - Sesiidae - Sessiinae - Sesia bembeciformis - Lunar Hornet Moth

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce - Day-flying

Taxonomy: Macro >> Sesiidae

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species: Hornet Moth

ID pointers: Similar to Hornet Moth, but told apart by black head and lacking the yellow tegulae. A Mimic species.

Distribution: (Last record: 08/07/2024 ) - Last recorded July 2024 – Locally scarce and infrequently recorded in Derbyshire. Sallows along river valleys are favoured areas. Eleven records of 28 adults between 2020 & 2024. Remains a rare moth and seldom seen without the use of Pheromone Lure.

Flight Period: June / July / - June – July

Moth Activity: Crepuscular - is often seen during the day

Forewing: 15-19mm

Food Plant: Sallows and willows

Last Recorded Date: 08/07/2024

Last Recorded By: Not Recorded

Last Recorded General Area: Not Recorded

No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW: Clive Ashton – Cromford – 22/7/24 / Christian Heintzen © – Glossop – 8th July 2024 / Steve Adams © – Codnor Reservoir, Derbyshire