Delicious or dangerous? Many predators would pass on these day-flying moths…and many people would be wary in their presence. In flight they closely resemble wasps, even producing a droning sound to further the ruse. They can be found from Nova Scotia and the New England states, west to Vancouver, British Columbia. And also in the Rocky Mountain states to the Pacific Coast. The adults only live 4-10 days and are most commonly found in July and early August. Larvae develop in wood and bark of live poplars and willows.
Size: Forewing length 12 – 19 mm
Photo by: Kathy McEldery on 8/3/22 in Plains, MT