No, clearwing moths do not sting. Clearwing moths are a group of moths that belong to the Sesiidae family. They are called clearwings because their wings lack the colored scales found on most other moths, giving the wings a mostly transparent appearance. Like all moths and butterflies, clearwings do not have stingers, stingers being a feature exclusive to stinging insects like bees and wasps. While clearwing moths may look threatening because of their large size and ability to hover more like wasps or bees, they are harmless to humans.
What are clearwing moths?
Clearwing moths, family Sesiidae, are a family of moths with over 1,300 species found all over the world. Some of the more common species in North America include:
– Banded ash clearwing (Podosesia aureocincta)
– Dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula)
– Peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa)
– Rhododendron borer (Synanthedon rhododendri)
– Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae)
– Lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes)
– Lilac borer (Podosesia syringae)
– Locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae)
Clearwing moths get their common name from the fact that most species lack the colored scales on their wings that give most other moth species their distinctive wing patterns. Instead, clearwing moths have mostly transparent or clear wings, though some may have small patches of colored scales. These see-through wings reveal the dark veins and other structures within, giving the wings a unique appearance compared to other moths.
In addition to their distinctive wings, clearwings often have wasp-like appearances and behaviors that allow them to mimic wasps and bees. Many species are boldly marked with yellows, blacks, and reds in wasp-like patterns. They also are active and fly during the day, sometimes hovering over flowers while feeding on nectar. This, coupled with their transparent wings, allows them to resemble aggressive stinging insects as a form of defense against predators. Despite this mimicry, they are harmless.
Life Cycle
Clearwing moths undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages:
– Egg – Females lay eggs on or near the host plant. Eggs are often laid singly or in small clusters.
– Larva – Larvae hatch from eggs and bore into the stems or trunks of their host plants. Most species are stem and wood borers as caterpillars.
– Pupa – Larvae pupate inside their feeding tunnels within the plant. The pupal stage may last several weeks.
– Adult – Adult clearwing moths emerge from pupae inside the plant. They have a short adult lifespan of a week or two.
Many clearwing moth larvae are considered pests, as they can do serious damage to trees and woody plants when they bore into stems and trunks as caterpillars. This is why species like the dogwood borer, rhododendron borer, peachtree borer and others have “borer” in their common names. However, the adult clearwing moths feed only on nectar and plant sap and do not damage plants.
Habitat
Clearwing moths are found all over North America. Different species inhabit different habitat types and feed on different host plants. For example:
– Dogwood borers infest, as their name suggests, dogwood trees. They are common in areas where dogwoods are planted as ornamentals.
– The rhododendron borer inhabits areas where rhododendron and azalea shrubs grow.
– Squash vine borers prefer agricultural areas and vine crop plantings.
– Many species inhabit forests and woodlands where their preferred tree hosts occur.
In general, clearwing moths can be found wherever their caterpillar host plants grow. The adult moths are most noticeable when they visit flowers to feed on nectar.
Do clearwing moths sting?
No, clearwing moths do not sting. While their wasp-like appearance and behaviors may make them look potentially threatening, clearwing moths do not have stingers or any other ability to inflict injury on humans or animals.
Like all moths, the clearwings belong to the insect order Lepidoptera. Moths and butterflies have siphoning mouthparts used for drinking nectar. They do not have stingers.
Only insects in the order Hymenoptera – bees, wasps, ants, etc. – have modified egg-laying structures called ovipositors that can inflict painful and venomous stings as a form of defense. Clearwing moths do not have these ovipositors or stingers.
The only way a clearwing moth could inflict discomfort would be if one was handled carelessly and its mouthparts or legs contacted skin, which could potentially cause a mild pinch but no true sting. Overall, these moths should be considered harmless despite their mimicry of stinging insects.
Why do they mimic stinging insects?
Many clearwing moth species possess color patterns, body shapes, and behaviors designed to mimic stinging wasps and bees. This form of mimicry likely helps protect the moths from predators.
Potential predators like birds may avoid the clearwings if they mistake them for dangerous stinging insects. The wasp-like colors and patterns act as a warning.
Additionally, the bold, hovering flight behaviors of clearwings add to this impersonation of stingers. A clearwing darting through the air looks very much like an aggressive wasp.
Mimicking wasps and bees is an excellent defense mechanism for the harmless clearwing moths. It allows them to fly around freely during the day while feeding on nectar without becoming easy pickings for predators.
So while the clearwing’s appearance and actions might suggest it could sting, it is all a clever ruse. There is no venom or stinger hidden under those wasp-like colors.
Are clearwing moths dangerous?
Clearwing moths are considered completely harmless to humans. They cannot sting or bite, and the adults feed only on flower nectar.
However, some species may inflict indirect damage to plants in their larval stage. Clearwing moth caterpillars bore into the trunks and stems of trees and woody plants as they feed, which can sometimes compromise the health and appearance of infested plants.
A few species are considered major agricultural and forestry pests because of this plant damage. For example:
– The dogwood borer often infests and severely damages dogwood trees.
– Peachtree borers are a dangerous pest of stone fruit trees like peaches, plums, cherries, etc.
– The squash vine borer caterpillar tunnels through the stems of vine crops like squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons, destroying the plants.
So while the adult moths themselves are harmless, their plant-damaging larvae can cause economic damage and death in some host plants. Care should be taken to control clearwing moth caterpillar infestations when necessary through methods like maintaining tree health, monitoring for signs of infestation, and considering targeted pesticide applications if infestations are severe.
What to do if you see one
If you encounter a clearwing moth, there is no need to be alarmed – remember they cannot sting or bite. The best course of action is to simply leave the moth alone and observe it from a distance. Here are some tips:
– Admire its unique see-through wings and wasp-like colors, but do not touch. Accidentally ingesting moth scales or hairs can cause irritation.
– Take photos if desired, but avoid using flash. Moth scales can rub off and camera flash disturbs the moth.
– Do not swat at or attempt to kill it. The moth will soon move along on its own.
– Note where and when you saw it and which flowers it visited for nectar. Recording sightings helps scientists track populations.
– If found indoors, carefully catch and release it outside. Clearwings prefer natural settings.
– Look for signs of infestations on any dogwoods, peach trees, rhododendrons etc. Caterpillar damage may indicate future problems.
– Contact a local university extension office if you need help identifying the species or require advice on managing plant damage from clearwing borer larvae.
Other than monitoring for any caterpillar issues, the presence of a clearwing moth does not require any intervention. Simply appreciate this unique wasp impersonator from a safe distance before allowing it to continue on its way.
Key facts about clearwing moths
Appearance
– Mostly transparent, clear wings with dark veins visible
– Some colored scales may be present on wings
– Distinctive wasp-like black and yellow/white color patterns
– Dark bodies and legs
– Antennae are long with a clubbed tip
– Active, wasp-like flight; often seen hovering like wasps
Behavior
– Active during the day (diurnal)
– Feed on flower nectar through their proboscis
– Hover at flowers more like bees and wasps than typical moths
– Larvae bore into plant stems and trunks
Habitat
– Forests, parks, woodlands, agricultural areas
– Wherever host plants like dogwood, peach, cherry, oak, rhododendron, etc. trees grow
Threats
– None. Considered harmless to humans.
– Larval plant damage can threaten trees/crops by tunneling through trunks/stems
Classification
– Order: Lepidoptera
– Family: Sesiidae
– Over 1,300 species worldwide
So in summary, while startling due to their wasp-like appearance, clearwing moths do not sting or present any danger to people. They can be appreciated for their unique see-through wings and enjoyed as a colorful and interesting sight during the daylight hours when they visit flowers and pause to hover over blossoms. Just be on the lookout for any signs of caterpillar damage on valuable trees and crops.
Conclusion
Clearwing moths are a family of diurnal moths that mimic stinging wasps and bees. While they appear threatening, they are completely harmless to humans. Their wings lack scales and are mostly transparent, revealing the wing venation and giving rise to their common name of clearwings. Many species have yellow and black colors in wasp-like patterns as well as bold, darting flight behaviors that add to their resemblance to stingers. However, clearwings lack stingers or any ability to inflict injury. They are harmless nectar feeders as adults. The only damage clearwings cause is from their caterpillars, which bore into plant stems and trunks. Care should be taken to monitor for larval infestations, but the presence of the adult moths requires no control or concern. These unique insects can be enjoyed for their beauty and fascinating mimicry without any risk of being stung or bitten. With over 1,300 species worldwide, observing clearwings can be an enjoyable nature experience as long as their striped bodies and hovering flight do not evoke undue fear of being stung. Their see-through wings reveal there is no hidden stinger within.
