University of Alberta Museums Search

A small (2.0- 3.5 cm wingspan) wasp-like clear-wing moth. Females are much larger than males. The body is black, with some yellow streaking and 4 or more narrow yellow bands around the abdomen. The legs are largely dull yellow. The wings, where scaled, are dark olive and red-brown, and there is a prominent dark discal bar. Males are easy to separate from other Alberta sesiids as this is the only species with bipectinate antennae. Females are smaller than other yellow-banded Alberta sesiids, and the wing pattern is noticeable different. Closely related to but apparently distinct from the Palearctic P. hylaeformis Laspeyres.

A borer in the roots and root crowns of Rubus sp. Although some complete the life cycle in a single year, most require two years to complete development. Adults are diurnal. Although a pest in commercial plantations in some areas, it is apparently uncommon in Alberta and thus of little significance.