Our insect of the week (for October 20, 2025) is the hornet clearwing, Paranthrene simulans [LEPIDOPTERA: Sesiidae]. It was described by Agustus Grote in 1881. He is best remembered for his work on North American Noctuidae. As you can see from the image, it mimics a hornet (quite successfully). The larvae feeds on chestnut and red and white oaks. This species has a 2 year life cycle.

Adult moths emerge in June and July in central Illinois. Females lay their egs in bark crevices on the lower parts of the tree. The larvae burrow in the inner bark and create oval chambers. It has been noted that woodpeckers often prey on the larvae in their galleries during winter months. The specimen in this photo was collected by Frank Hitchell in Peoria County, Illinois.