#3739 - Synanthedon tipuliformis - Currant Clearwing Moth
Since the garden behind the motel had both blackcurrants and gooseberries, it's probably not surprising it also had a pest that feeds only on that genus.
Caterpillars of the Currant Clearwing bore into the stems of Ribes, and severely limit their growth. Controlling the moth numbers usually requires pruning off infested canes. It's native to the temperate parts of Europe and the Caucasus, but is an invasive pest in North America, New Zealand, and the the SE of Australia.
Sesiid moths are day-flying, frequently mimic wasps with their markings and hovering flight, and feed inside the stems and roots of plants. Agricultural pest species include the squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) and the peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa).
Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand.
