INTRODUCTION
The Clearwing moths are notoriously elusive and often overlooked as a consequence. The development of synthetic pheromone lures has enabled lepidopterists to locate these species more successfully and records are now appearing in the Yorkshire Lepidoptera reports with increasing frequency. In 2007 a standardised "Yorkshire Clearwing Hunters Kit" was distributed around the county to try and further ellucidate the status of these Sesiidae moths.
METHODS
Pheromone lures are available from several entomological suppliers but are generally expensive and sold in packs containing some attractants formulated for species not present in Yorkshire. Two of the most useful lures ("TIP" and "MYO") are, however, available from a company targetting the agricultural market where two clearwing species, Synanthedon tipuliformis and Synanthedon myopaeformis, are regarded as pests. Anglian Lepidopterists Supplies were able to provide a bulk order of the "VES" lure which is designed primarily to attract Synanthedon vespiformis.
The YNU Lepidoptera Group met in Bramham on 11th March 2007 and seven lepidopterists were recruited to take part in the project.
Each participant was provided with a "Yorkshire Clearwing Hunters Kit" consisting of a green Oecos Funnel trap and three pheromone lures, MYO, TIP and VES. Instructions to target suitable clearwing habitats were provided using the table below. The funnel trap, loaded with an appropriate lure, was left in each habitat-type for up to three weeks at a time. The traps were checked at regular intervals so that the catches could be inspected.
| Date | Habitat | Lure | Target Species |
| 19th May - 9th June | Light woodland with birch stumps. | MYO | Large Red-belted Clearwing |
| 9th June - 30th June | Allotments and fruit gardens. | TIP | Currant Clearwing |
| 30th June - 21st July | Light woodland and gardens where Wych Elm, oaks, birches and cherries are grown. | VES | Yellow-legged Clearwing |
| 21st July - 11th August | Osiers and other willows growing in damp or marshy ground. | MYO+TIP+VES | Red-tipped Clearwing |
RESULTS
The weather at the end of May 2007 was abysmal but evidence of Large Red-belted Clearwing emergence on Otley Chevin was found when two vacated pupal cases were found protruding from birch stumps. It was also noted that many Sallow stumps at this site have bore holes characteristic of Lunar Hornet Moth.
DISCUSSION
The Clearwings are notoriously elusive and locating them is always a challenge. The advent of synthetic pheromone lures has enabled us to have more success in finding the adults of some species but, particularly in the case of Large Red-belted Clearwing and Lunar Hornet Moth, the tell-tale signs of their early stages remain the best give-away of their presence.
References:
Frost, H. (2006) Yorkshire Lepidoptera 2005. Argus 50 Butterfly Conservation.
Parkinson, D. (2006) In Search of Clearwings. Bulletin No.46 Yorkshire Naturalists' Union.
Sutton, S.L. & Beaumont, H.E. (1989) Butterflies and Moths of Yorkshire; Distribution and Conservation. Yorkshire Naturalists' Union.