Form & Function
The larvae of the viburnum clearwing borer are pinkish white caterpillars and they have brownish heads and possess three pairs of thoracic legs, in addition to abdominal pro-legs (Frank 2009).
In the adult stage S. viburni are blackish blue and have clear wings, which span ¾ inch (Pellitteri 2004). The wings are clear because they do not have as many of the Lepidopteron scales on them, which are typical of the Lepidoptera order.
An article written by Hansen (et al., 2012) states that both viburnum borer species S. fatifera and S. viburni are highly specialized. The adults of both species can distinguished by the green metallic sheen on the S. viburni abdomen. The S. fatifera scales are a duller color.
Clearwing moths can also be easily
distinguished by the clear
areas on their wings. Most
adult moths are wasp-like in their
appearance (Frank 2009).
The Viburnum clearwing borer possesses Batesian mimicracy. It looks similar to a wasp or hornet and therefore, other organisms are less likely to prey upon it. Adults of both the viburnum clearwing borer, S. viburni, and the lesser viburnum borer, S. fatifera, are day flying moths that mimic the flight and appearance of wasps (Pellitteri 2004).