Lunar Hornet Moth
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Sesia bembeciformis
One of the slightly commoner of the Clearwing Moths in Britain.
They are another day flying species.
The Larvae burrow down into wood to feed, after hatching.
However, apiformis has yellow 'epaulettes' on the "shoulders" directly above the wing bases; Sesia bembeciformis is dark coloured at this point except for the yellow neck ring.
Sesia bembeciformis is also smaller and has a black head.
In general, Females are considerably larger than Males.
It resembles a big hornet (Vespa crabro) really well - an instance of mimicry.
The Moths appear in June, July and August, they are then found resting on the trunks of willows.