Six-belted Clearwing (Bembecia ichneumoniformis)

There are approx 15 Clearwing Moth species in the UK, all of them wasp mimics of varying degrees and various species.

The Six-belted Clearwing is nationally scarce and unpredictability local in the southern half of the UK, even where conditions (such as chalk grassland with Bird's-foot-trefoil) appear perfect for their presence.

The name derives from the six belts evident on the male, while the female has just five.

Note the colourfully distinctive and relatively ornate wings (wing-span 18-24mm) which nevertheless you won't be able to spot in flight.

This was my first Six-belted Clearwing ever, and no disappointment.

Another box ticked