Yellow-legged Clearwing - Synanthedon vespiformis

Wingspan 18 to 20 mm. Another wasp-mimic getting its name from its noticeable yellow legs.

To be seen in areas where Oak is present.

Flies from May to July during the day.

The larvae feed internally on the wood of the foodplant Oak (Quercus).

Yellow-legged Clearwing is distributed over the southern half of England, and was believed to be uncommon. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. However the introduction of an effective pheromone lure for this species has shown it to be more common than previously thought.

Previously believed to be very uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, but the introduction of an effective pheromone lure for this species has shown it to be more common in our area than previously thought.