Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis (1 Viewer)

[Angus T]

A real stroke of luck today!
This is a Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis. It has emerged from willow that I cut down last winter and chopped into firewood and stacked in my shed. About half the willows have borings by this species and while it was totally unexpected to see them appearing out of the logs its great to have "proof" and see it with my own eyes.

This is not the first one to emerge becasue there is another exuvia. I wonder how many others are in the wood pile out of sight? I'll check next winter.

I'm sure it is widespread in Ireland but not recorded often.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I once saw a Lunar Hornet Moth and it remains one of the most impressive insects I've seen anywhere in the world. Fantastic pictures.

 

[Brian Stone]

Amazing moths. I've only seen one once, nectaring at flowers, and managed a bit of video.

Hornet Moths are much easier and just as impressive!
http://thenaturalstone.blogspot.com/2009/06/more-hornet-moths.html

 

[Angus T]

No records of Hornet Moth in Ireland for decades, so not easier here.
I don't post much here there days but felt compelled to share this one

 

[Surreybirder]

No records of Hornet Moth in Ireland for decades, so not easier here.
I don't post much here there days but felt compelled to share this one

Lovely to see - thanks Angus.

 

[Brian Stone]

Glad you did Angus. Thanks again.

 

[antshrike69]

Fantastic beast Angus and great pictures.

 

[harry eales]

Well done Angus,

The Durham County Recorder for Moths says it's in virtually every large Sallow in the County, but having collected and recorded in Durham for getting on 60 years I have still to see it.

Harry

 

[Oleander]

I think I saw a Hornet moth of some kind last week, but I had no camera or pot and I didn't want to touch it if it was a 'real' hornet. It flew clumsy around at ground level and its body was shaped like a moth. It wasn't thin between its abdomen and the rest of the body like wasps are. I hope I get to see one when I have a pot with me!