sesiioid

Sesiioid is a term that refers to a group of insects belonging to the superfamily Sesioidea. This superfamily is part of the order Lepidoptera, which includes moths and butterflies. Sesiids are commonly known as clearwing moths or hornet moths due to their distinctive transparent wings and their remarkable resemblance to wasps and hornets. This mimicry is a form of Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species evolves to imitate a dangerous one to deter predators.

The transparent wings are a key characteristic of sesiids. The scales that typically cover the wings of other moths are reduced or absent in large patches, giving them their clear appearance. This adaptation allows them to fly during the day, unlike many other moth species that are nocturnal. Their bodies are often slender and elongated, further enhancing their wasp-like look. Many sesiids also have yellow or black banding on their abdomens.

Larvae of sesiids are typically wood-borers, feeding on the roots, stems, or trunks of various plants, including trees and shrubs. This feeding behavior can sometimes make them considered pests, particularly in agricultural or horticultural settings. Adults are generally short-lived and do not feed, focusing instead on reproduction. They are important pollinators for some plant species. The distribution of sesiids is widespread, found across various continents.