Synanthedon formicaeformis
Willow Clearwing ( Synanthedon formicaeformis ) in rest position
The willow Clearwing ( Synanthedon formicaeformis ), sometimes referred to as Little Willow clearwings, willow glass enthusiast or formic clearwings, is a butterfly of the family of Clearwing ( Sesiidae ). The scientific name of the species is derived from formica = ant.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
Butterfly
The moths have transparent wings, which are scaly only at the wing veins, the Diskalfleck and the wing edges. You can reach a wingspan of 14-25 millimeters. The forewings are reddish in color at the edges. The fringes are brownish. In the center a crescent-shaped, black-brown or reddish-brown Diskalfleck can be seen running from the front to the back edge. The hind wings have a narrow dark Saumbinde and a small black brown Diskalfleck. Head, Antenna, thorax and abdomen shining blue-black. On the fourth and fifth segment of the abdomen is in each case a red ring. Sometimes also the sixth segment is reddish in color. The anal tuft are strongly developed fan-shaped, of bluish-black color and hairy clear yellowish white on the sides.
Similar Species
There is a certain similarity to the Red sorrel - Clearwing ( Pyropteron chrysidiformis ), although it also has reddish überstäubte forewing, but whitish rings showing on the segments of the abdomen and the anus is hairy bush red.
Geographical distribution and occurrence
The willow Clearwing is widespread in most of Europe, but lacking on most Mediterranean islands. It also occurs in the Ukraine, the northern regions of Asia Minor and the Black Sea coast and in the Caucasus region. The species was still detected at altitudes of 2200 meters. Their main habitat is stream and river margins, wetlands, swamp forests, upland moors and pastures cultures.
Way of life
The diurnal moths flying in the months of May to July in higher elevations to August. They are particularly active in the sunshine. Very happy to visit then the flowers of various plants, such as those of elderberry (Sambucus ), oregano (Origanum ), ragwort ( Senecio ), privet ( Ligustrum ) or raspberry (Rubus idaeus ). Male moths also fly to pheromone traps. The maggot-like caterpillars live one or two- year beneath the bark of various species of willow ( Salix), rarely also in quaking aspen (Populus tremula ). They prefer injured, sick or older trees. In particular, they are found in cancerous growths. The caterpillars overwinter and pupate in the spring at the end of feeding passageway under the bark of the host plant.
Endangering
In Germany the willow clearwings occurs in all states and is classified as endangered.