The tamarisk clearwing – an insect that looks like a wasp but is, in fact, a moth – can now be spotted in the branches of plants across the coastal towns of De Panne and Koksijde, Flemish environmental association Natuurpunt reported on Monday.
The Tamarisk Clearwing is usually found in more southerly and warmer parts of Europe. The chances of spotting one in Belgium are, therefore, fairly small.
This harmless insect is unusual in that it looks much like a wasp, but this is a ruse and mimicry to deceive predators. Hoverflies and beetles use similar subterfuges.
At the end of 2021, the first caterpillars from this unusual bug were observed in Belgium. After increased surveillance the following year, it turns out that the species is only present in this region of the Belgian coast, but in large quantities.
Related News
- Asian hornet ‘virtually impossible to eradicate' in Wallonia
- Massive bee die-off has beekeepers worried
These caterpillars develop just under the bark of tamarisk trees. After hatching, the insects can be encountered in the branches in the late afternoon from June to early September.
“This species feels right at home on the west of the Belgian coast,” explains Ruben Meert of the Voelspriet insect working group. “Over the past two years, a consistent population has been observed. The avenues of tamarisk trees, which are highly resistant to drought and sea breezes, planted in the past certainly play a role.”
