About 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.
Did You Know?
Its wasp mimicry is so convincing that gardeners who encounter it rarely realise they are looking at a moth.
How to Identify Currant Clearwing
Currant Clearwing (Synanthedon tipuliformis) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Sesiidae. Adults typically measure 17-22 mm wingspan.
Currant Clearwing Habitat
Currant Clearwing is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia (introduced worldwide). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Currant Clearwing Diet and Feeding
Currant Clearwing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Currant Clearwing Found?
Currant Clearwing can be found in Europe, temperate Asia (introduced worldwide), where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Currant Clearwing can be found
Is Currant Clearwing Dangerous?
Currant Clearwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Currant Clearwing Role in Nature
Currant Clearwing plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Currant Clearwing are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Currant Clearwing
What does Currant Clearwing look like?
The Currant Clearwing typically measures 17-22 mm wingspan.
Where is Currant Clearwing found?
The Currant Clearwing is found in Europe, temperate Asia (introduced worldwide) and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Currant Clearwing eat?
The Currant Clearwing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Currant Clearwing dangerous to humans?
The Currant Clearwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Currant Clearwing?
Its wasp mimicry is so convincing that gardeners who encounter it rarely realise they are looking at a moth.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Currant Clearwing (Synanthedon tipuliformis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/currant-clearwing
MLA:
"Currant Clearwing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/currant-clearwing.