Pyropteron muscaeforme
# Pyropteron muscaeforme

Pyropteron muscaeforme, the thrift clearwing, is a moth of the family Sesiidae. It is known from most of Europe. A small member of its genus, the wingspan is 15–18 mm. It is further distinguished by narrow clear (transparent) spaces on the blackish, or bronzy, forewings. There are three whitish bands on the body, and traces of a whitish line along the middle of the back.

Adults can be found on the flowers of the host plant, as well as on thyme (Thymus vulgaris). It overwinters as a larva. The larvae feed on in the roots and crown of thrift (Armeria maritima).

## Ecology

It is found on exposed rocky areas where its larval food plant occurs.

## Subspecies

* Pyropteron muscaeforme muscaeforme
* Pyropteron muscaeforme occidentale (de Joannis, 1908)
* Pyropteron muscaeforme lusohispanicum Lastuvka & Lastuvka, 2007
