Clearwing Lunar Hornet Moth

[vulcanqueen]

Just wanted to let everyone know from when I posted last year and also yesterday that I have again more Hornet Moths hatching from the Sallow stump in the garden. Had 16 last year, I doubt that many this year but watching closely.

Have emailed David Brown who came to see me last year and he is well chuffed that they are still coming back

Jen

[vulcanqueen]

I am obviously the only chuffed one on here about it... no responses this year despite a mass response last year

[poschiavanus]

Well I'm pleased, but haven't been around in the Forums for a while, so haven't said so. I think this year lots more folk have got pheromones and are out bagging their own clearwings.

Last year you were asking "what is it?" and I think that is what engages many WABbers, either from the pleasure of solving a puzzle or because it helps practising one's own ID skills. Done and dusted IDs of things people think they are unlikely to see themselves might not generate as much interest : simply because it's less likely to be part of our own experience (ask David how many times he's seen this insect). It's certainly less likely to generate comment, just because that sort of thread doesn't seem to be common on WAB.

Now if you offered to open your garden to more campers at the right time of year then you might find yourself swamped.

All the best,

Posch

[naturegirl]

Hi Vulcanqueen, I read your previous post with much interest as I've never seen a Clearwing/Lunar or any type of hornet moth before!

Sounds like you have the ideal spot for them there!

Shame you live so far away from me!!

Naturegirl

[Roger Edmondson]

Hi Vulcan Queen

I have been searching for Lunar Hornet Clearwings to photograph and have come across your old posts about them.

I have found the excuviae but not the moth itself.

Are you still getting them or have they finished for the year?

Roger

[vulcanqueen]

Hi Roger, they generally take about 2 years to hatch and this year is the 2yrs. I keep checking the base of the tree as they should be hatching now if I have any but unfortunately nothing as yet. Don't think the Queen came back to lay more.......will keep you posted tho. Jen

[woslxn]

Originally Posted by vulcanqueen

Just wanted to let everyone know from when I posted last year and also yesterday that I have again more Hornet Moths hatching from the Sallow stump in the garden. Had 16 last year, I doubt that many this year but watching closely.

Have emailed David Brown who came to see me last year and he is well chuffed that they are still coming back

Jen

During the last week in June I saw about 5 pairs in cop on and near a willow in my garden. I counted 14 pupal excuviae.
I live in Redditch Worcestershire. If you want an early cup of tea in my garden next year, email me to book a seat, if the tree survives all the holes in its base!

[Roger Edmondson]

Hi Woslxn

I'm still desperate to photograph Lunar Hornet. Are you still getting any?

These are probably the commonest of the Clearwing moths but possibly the hardest to see. They don't respond to artificial pheremones and don't come to light so unless you know the tree they're on this year, your flummoxed.

If you are still getting them, could you pot one up for me and I'll drive up to photograph it and then let it go.

Much thanks in desperation.

Roger

[woslxn]

No sign of any more Lunar Hornet Moths sadly.
Let me know an email address and I'll send you some images I took at the end of June. Anyone is welcome next year if any emerge from the willow in my garden - send me a post to remind me to look!
Regards,
Roland

[Uv moth notingha]

No lunar hornet moths here ....but have found several red tipped clearwings , including a mating pair .....rather chuffed as they are nationaly scarce B rating . Just in a ordinary garden in suburban nottingham..
UVMOTH