List of moths of Great Britain (Sesiidae) facts for kids

The family Sesiidae is a group of moths found in Great Britain. There are 15 different types of these moths in Britain. One of them is a bit of a mystery, as scientists aren't sure about its exact status. These moths are often called clearwing moths because many of them have clear, see-through wings. They are amazing because they often look a lot like bees or wasps! This helps them stay safe from predators who might think they have a sting.

Meet the Clearwing Moths

Clearwing moths belong to a larger group called the Sesiidae family. This family is split into two main smaller groups, called subfamilies. These subfamilies help scientists organize the different types of moths.

Sesiinae Subfamily

This subfamily includes some of the larger clearwing moths. They are known for their impressive mimicry, meaning they look very much like stinging insects.

• Sesia apiformis, also known as the hornet moth, is found in the east and south of Britain. It's quite rare, which means it's a "Nationally Scarce B" species. This means it's not super common, but not in immediate danger of disappearing.
• Sesia bembeciformis, the lunar hornet moth, can be found all over Britain. It also looks a lot like a hornet!

Paranthreninae Subfamily

This subfamily contains many different types of clearwing moths. Many of them are also quite rare or need special protection.

• Paranthrene tabaniformis, the dusky clearwing, used to be found in the south. Sadly, it's now thought to be extinct in Britain, meaning it's no longer found there.
• Synanthedon tipuliformis, the currant clearwing, is found across England. It's also found in some parts of Wales, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. This moth is also a "Nationally Scarce B" species.
• Synanthedon myopaeformis, known as the red-belted clearwing, lives in the south of Britain. It's another "Nationally Scarce B" species. You can see a picture of it below!
• Synanthedon scoliaeformis, the Welsh clearwing, is special because it's found mainly in Wales and Scotland. It's listed in the "Red Data Book," which means it's a very rare species and needs a lot of help to survive.
• Pyropteron chrysidiformis, called the fiery clearwing, is found in the south-east. It's also in the Red Data Book, meaning it's very rare and important to protect. This moth is also part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

Protecting Rare Moths

Some of these moths are very special and need our help to survive. The 2007 UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is a plan to protect important plants and animals in the UK. Moths marked with a double-dagger symbol (‡) in the list are part of this plan. This means they are important species that scientists and conservationists are working to protect.

See also

• List of moths of Great Britain (a general look at moths in Britain)
  • Family lists: Hepialidae, Cossidae, Zygaenidae, Limacodidae, Sesiidae, Lasiocampidae, Saturniidae, Endromidae, Drepanidae, Thyatiridae, Geometridae, Sphingidae, Notodontidae, Thaumetopoeidae, Lymantriidae, Arctiidae, Ctenuchidae, Nolidae, Noctuidae and Micromoths

Images for kids

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  A close-up of the Lunar Hornet Moth, showing its clear wings and hornet-like colors.

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  The Red-belted Clearwing, named for the reddish band on its body.