Fireweed Clearwing Moth (Albuna pyramidalis) found in south Anchorage.
Observation by Mike Brubaker:
While tending to the wildflowers in our garden we came across this beauty. Can't say I have ever seen one before, so I am wondering about the species and how common they are in South central Alaska.
Derek Sikes, Curator of Insects at the University of Alaska Museum - Entomology, writes:
Looks to me like Albuna pyramidalis - a cool wasp-mimicking moth. We have a number of records from south central AK.
Comments from LEO Editors:
Fireweed clearwing moths (Albuna pyramidalis) belong to the family Sesiidae or clearwing moths. These moths are characterized by the translucent wings that imitate the appearance of insects such as bees, wasps, sawflies, and ants. These moths are mimicking the warning signals of more harmful insect species to deter predators, called Batesian mimicry. By looking closely, moths can be distinguished from the species they are mimicking by their feathery antennae and thick abdomen (as opposed to the narrow "wasp waist" of stinging insects).
Fireweed clearwing moths are named in part for their habitat selection. The larvae of this species tunnel in to the main roots of willowherb (genus Epilobium) plants, as well as the fireweed commonly found around the Anchorage area. These moths are found across North America, including Alaska and Canada. Erica Lujan
Sources: Biodiversity of the Central Coast Fireweed Clearwing Moth Species Profile, Bug Guide Albuna pyramidalis Species Profile
Observations From Members 