Yellow-legged Clearwing (Synanthedon vespiformis)

As a Christmas present to myself I purchased “The Classic Ten Clearwing Pheromone Lures” from Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies, along with their Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) lure. Planning on using them at work mainly to add a twist to the biological recording over the summer. I was also keen to see if I could coax a few clearwing moths onto the garden list.

I have never seen Emperor Moth and I had high expectations of using the lure on Target Hill - even convincing some of the volunteers to extend their working day and join me for a lure session. This year it was not to be, and no Emperor moths were seen.

To date I have only been successful using the Yellow-legged Clearwing (Synanthedon vespiformis) (VES) with 3 (possibly four) individuals being recorded on Target Hill adjacent to Oak (Quercus) stumps; and today when a single Yellow-legged Clearwing was attracted to the lure – set up in the plantation (again in the vicinity of Oak stumps).

Yellow-legged Clearwing
Buchan Country Park 27.7.2025