Gothic Moth vs Currant Clearwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gothic Moth Currant Clearwing
Scientific Name Naenia typica Synanthedon tipuliformis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Sesiidae
Size 40-48 mm wingspan 17-22 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, temperate Asia (introduced worldwide)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gothic Moth

A dark brown moth with intricate pale crosslines and markings resembling Gothic architecture. It is increasingly scarce across much of its former range.

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Did You Know?

Despite being widespread, it has declined by over 80% in parts of northern Europe in recent decades.

Currant Clearwing

A small wasp-mimicking moth with transparent wings and a black body banded with yellow. Its larvae bore into the stems of currant and gooseberry bushes.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp mimicry is so convincing that gardeners who encounter it rarely realise they are looking at a moth.