''Sesia bembeciformis'', the lunar hornet moth, is a moth of the family Sesiidae. It is found in Europe. The wingspan is 32–42 mm. The length of the forewings is 15–19 mm. ''Sesia bembeciformis'' is hardly distinguishable from its closest congener''

Sesia apiformis The hornet moth or hornet clearwing (''Sesia apiformis'') is a large moth native to Europe and the Middle East and has been introduced to North America. Its protective coloration is an example of Batesian mimicry, as its similarity to a hornet ...

''. However, ''apiformis'' has yellow 'epaulettes' on the "shoulders" directly above the wing bases; ''Sesia bembeciformis'' is dark coloured at this point except for the yellow neck ring.''bembeciformis'' is also smaller and has a black head. In general, females are considerably larger than males. It resembles a big hornet ('' Vespa crabro'') really well - an instance of

mimicry In evolutionary biology, mimicry is an evolved resemblance between an organism and another object, often an organism of another species. Mimicry may evolve between different species, or between individuals of the same species. Often, mimicry f ...

. The moths appear in June, July and August, they are then found resting on the trunks willows . These include sal willow ('' Salix caprea''), ash willow ('' Salix cinerea'') and ear willow ('' Salix aurita''). The eggs are laid on the bark. The larvae first gnaw between the bark and the wood, but later crawl further into the stem. Larva development takes 3 – 4 years. The species has a hidden way of life, and the imago lives only briefly, which makes it easily overlooked.

External links

Lunar hornet moth at UKmothsLepiforum.deVlindernet.nl
Moths described in 1806 Sesiidae Moths of Europe Moths of Asia Taxa named by Jacob Hübner {{Sesiidae-stub