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Paranthrene tabaniformis

Dusky clearwing

Description

The dusky clearwing is a wasp-like moth having a wingspan of 20–25 mm. Adults fly from May to August depending on location. The females lay their eggs singly or in groups of 2–4 on 2–5 cm thick trunks of the host plant. The white larva lives inside the trunk. Larval development takes one year. Before hatching, the pupa slides out from the exit hole. Outwardly, damage becomes evident by swellings, fine-grained debris pushed out from wound and asymmetrical growth of the tree. Attacked trunks often break. This species is one of the most serious pests of young poplar plantations. P. tamaniformis is, under the sufficient condition, the primary pest of poplar stands in Central and Mediterranean Europe. The same symptoms occur if the infestation is caused by Synanthedon flaviventris and S. melliniformis.

Symptom

The white larva lives inside the trunk. Thickening of the trunks and branches with diameter of 1.5 - 2 cm. 

Tree Species: Poplar, Willow

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes