Clearwing Moths

Family Sesiidae

Peach tree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The larvae bore into the roots, stems or trunks of trees and other plants. The larvae sometimes cause serious damage to the trees and species that feed on fruit trees can be serious pests. These moths are active during the day. Sesiids are small to medium sized moths that have no scales on a large portion of their wings. The front wings are long and narrow and the hind wings are broad. Many species are brightly coloured and some species look like wasps. The hind legs are covered with dense long hairs. Males and females of the same species are often different colours and sometimes one sex can have a larger part of the wings free of scales.