Sallow Clearwing - Synanthedon flaviventris

One of the smallest British clearwings with a wingspan of 17 to 20 mm.

Similar in appearance to Currant Clearwing, but Sallow Clearwing has an all black thorax - Currant Clearwing has yellow marks on the thorax.

Whilst this species remains rare in VC55 (Leicestershire and Rutland) a good photograph is required and we suggest you retain the specimen until our VC55 Moth Recorder confirms the record.

It inhabits woodland and damp places, and is associated with Salix spp. 'sallows' including Goat Willow and Grey Willow.

Occurs in Britain in a two year cycle, appearing in years with an even number.  Adults fly from around mid-June to mid-July.

The larvae live in the stems of sallow (Salix), forming a distinctive gall. 

A rather uncommon and local species, being most frequent in central, southern England.  In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

The first VC55 record came on 9th July 2022 to the SAL pheromone lure in the Charnwood area. The Sapcote record of 16th July 2024 (to the SAL pheromone lure) was the second for Leicestershire and Rutland, but a couple of other local records followed quickly.

52.009 BF377