Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis

Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis (Hübner, 1806)
Status .....Fairly common and certainly very much under-recorded in Nottinghamshire. Easily surveyed for during the Winter months, by looking for the old larval exit holes near the trunk base of Goat Sallow Salix caprea. In 2020, a pheremone lure was developed and sold by Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies and first trials with the lure have proved it works a treat in favourable weather, with three males attracted within five minutes at Warsop Main Pit Top.
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Photographed at Warsop Main Pit Top July 2020

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Larval workings, photographed at Warsop Wood, April 2007

The records for the Nottinghamshire distribution map are currently provided by the following contributors - Trevor and Dilys Pendleton. Lound Moth Group. Graham and Anona Finch. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Sheila Wright (Nottinghamshire macro moth report 2014). Sheila Wright (Nottinghamshire macro moth report 2020). Jason and Lily Reece. Sheila Wright (Nottinghamshire macro moth report 2021). Sheila Wright (Nottinghamshire macro moth report 2022).

You can contribute your own records to help us gain an accurate status of this species in Nottinghamshire. Send an Excel spreadsheet of your records via the 'contact us' link at the top of the homepage.

Updated September 2023


Nottinghamshire (VC56) distribution of Lunar Hornet Moth