Clearwings

Clearwings is a common name used for a group of moths in the family Sesiidae. The name derives from the transparent or near-transparent patches on their wings, where ordinary wing scales are usually absent. These clear areas create a wasp- or bee-like appearance, a form of mimicry that helps the moths avoid predators. Adults are typically slender and can resemble small wasps or hornets, though the body patterns often reveal their moth identity on close inspection. Clearwings occur in many regions around the world, with the greatest diversity in temperate and subtropical climates.

Ecology and life history vary by species, but several shared traits are notable. The larvae are wood- or plant-borer larvae that develop inside stems, trunks, roots, or other woody tissues of a wide range of host plants, including fruit trees, hardwoods, willows, and ornamental shrubs. This boring activity can weaken plants, create entry points for disease, and, in some cases, cause significant economic damage in orchards and nurseries. The duration of the larval stage can span months to years, depending on species and environmental conditions, followed by pupation within the host or surrounding debris. Adults emerge mainly to mate and lay eggs, with one or more generations per year depending on climate.

Management of pest species often involves monitoring with pheromone traps, sanitation to remove infested wood, and targeted control measures when necessary. Clearwings are also of interest to naturalists and gardeners for their striking appearance and their role in forest and garden ecosystems.