Large Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon culciformis
This moth is found in light woodland where birches grow, particularly if there has been recent coppicing or felling. The habitat tends to be open and sunny. There is one generation, flying in mid-May to late June, when the females oviposit on freshly cut birch stumps.The males can be attracted to pheromone lures (MYO or CUL).
The extruded pupal case remains visible on the birch stump for some time and
is the most conspicuous sign of the presence of this species at a site. I found
one on each visit to Otley Chevin (VC64 SE204440) on 23/5/07 & 26/5/07).
The two empty pupal cases were of noticably different size but similar to the
14mm length quoted by Margaret Brookes in A Complete Guide to British
Moths
.
These Otley Chevin moths are
possibly the first Wharfedale records and the most westerly in Yorkshire. The
number of culciformis exit holes at the site is dwarfed by those of the
Lunar
Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis and this looks a prime location for
finding the imago of this species on a sunny day in July. I would not be
suprised if Yellow-legged Clearwing Synanthedon vespiformis is also
present and I will be looking for these soon!
Derek Parkinson.
.