About Sesia apiformis (Clerck, 1759)
Sesia apiformis, commonly known as the hornet moth or hornet clearwing, is a large moth species. It is native to Europe and the Middle East, and has been introduced to North America. Its distinct protective coloration is an example of Batesian mimicry: the moth’s close resemblance to a hornet makes it unappealing to predators. This species has been connected to widespread poplar tree dieback across Europe, as its larvae bore into tree trunks before emerging as adult moths. The geographic range of Sesia apiformis includes mainland Europe, Great Britain, and parts of the Middle East. It has recently been introduced to the United States and Canada. Adult hornet moths typically inhabit open areas such as parks, golf courses, and marshy regions. Females prefer to lay eggs on old or isolated trees, especially when those trees are surrounded by vegetation. Larvae feed on the host trees of several species, including the poplars Populus tremula and Populus nigra, as well as Salix caprea. The species prefers trees surrounded by heavy vegetation for feeding, and infestation levels are significantly higher on trees surrounded by this heavy basal vegetation than on trees without it.
