Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sesia apiformis (Clerck, 1759)
Sphinx apiformis Clerck, 1759
Sphecia apiformis
Trochilium apiformis
Trochilia apiformis
Setia apiformis
Aegeria apiformis
* phylogenetic sequence #079600
Size
Wingspan: ♂ 34-43 mm, ♀ 40-44 mm.
(2)
Full-grown larvae are 30-50mm
(3)Identification
Adult - resembles the
European hornet.
Larva - yellowish white with a red-brown head.
Range
Introduced from Europe into new England before 1880. Records in North America from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Newfoundland, Canada (Morris, 1986; Engelhardt, 1946).
(2)Food
Larvae bore into the bark, roots and lower trunk of poplar trees (Morris, 1986; Engelhardt, 1946).
(2)Life Cycle
One generation in Europe. Overwinters as larva. Sometimes it takes two years to complete a life cycle. See Engelhardt in Print References.
Larvae excavate extensive tunnels, causing swellings to occur.
(3)
First year larvae overwinter in wood; 2nd year larvae overwinter in a cocoon in wood borings or roots.
(3)Remarks
Because of its resemblance to the giant hornet, it is known as the hornet moth.
(3)Print References
Beuttenmüller, W. 1901. Monograph of the Sesiidae of America, north of Mexico. Memoirs of the American Museum of Natural History 1(6):
256-358,
pl.29, f.13
(4)
Engelhardt, G.P. 1946. The North American Clear-wing Moths of the family Aegeriidae. USNM Bulletin 190:
173-174 (2)
Morris, R.F. 1986. Notes on the Occurrence of the Hornet Moth,
Sesia apiformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), New to Canada. The Canadian Field-Naturalist 100(2):
253-254, f.1
