Plant Parasites of Europe

leafminers, galls and fungi

Sesia bembeciformis

Sesia bembeciformis (Hübner, 1806)

lunar hornet moth

on Salix

Sesia bembeciformis

England, Norfolk, Downham-Market, 13.vi.2023 © Rob Edmunds (to lure)

parasite

The larva makes a 10-40 cm long tunnel in the basal part of the stem, between bark and wood.The sawdust is expelled through an opening. Pupation in the gallery, in spring, in a cocoon that had been made the previous autumn. After emergence the exuvium protrudes half-way out of the exit opening. Preference for warm and dry locations.

host plants

Salicaceae, monophagous

Salix alba, aurita, caprea, cinerea, gmelinii, purpurea, viminalis.

The most important host is S. caprea.

phenology

The larva lives for 3-4 years.

distribution within Europe

(PESI, 2018).

larva, pupa

Larva and pupa are extensively described by Bąkowski.

synonyms

Sphecia crabroniformis (Lewin, 1797).

references

Bąkowski (2013b), Bartsch (1992a), Ebner (ed., 1997a), Itämies, Mutanen, Mutanen & Pöykkö (1996a), Kusdas & Reichl (eds, 1974a), Laštůvka & Laštůvka (2001a, 2015a), De Prins, Steeman & Sierens (2016a), Pühringer (2000a, 2004a), Sage (2005a), Wegner (2010a).

Last modified 16.vi.2023