Paranthrene diaphana: a new clearwing moth (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) species in Romania and its preliminary response to sex attractants

The genus Paranthrene includes diurnal clearwing moths mimicking Hymenoptera and known for their impact in forestry. In Europe, it comprises three species: Paranthrene tabaniformis, P. diaphana, and P. insolitus, which are morphologically similar but distinct in host plant preferences and distribution. P. tabaniformis is widespread and a pest of Populus, while P. diaphana occurs patchily in southeastern Europe and feeds on Salix. This study reports the first records of P. diaphana in Romania, expanding the known distribution of this species in Europe. Field surveys in Romania recorded this species in the regions of Banat, Oltenia, and Muntenia, while surveys conducted in Buzău County with sex attractant lures between 2013 and 2024 revealed the presence of P. diaphana alongside P. tabaniformis, a common species in the country. P. diaphana shows an apparent distribution primarily in southern Romania. In all the habitats where P. diaphana was recorded the habitat includes willows, poplars, and agricultural fields. The findings contribute to the understanding of Paranthrene species and confirms presence of P. diaphana in Romania, expanding its known range and highlighting the need for further research, particularly into P. insolitus. Thanks to citizen science contributions the species is recorded also in Dobrodja region