Raspberry Crown Borer, Pennisetia marginata (Harris 1839)            ©Warren Savary 2003
This specimen collected  in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Co., by Sean Hartman (age 3).

The family Sesiidae, whose members are commonly known as 'clearwing moths', is represented in California by three subfamilies (Tinthiinae, Paranthreninae, and Sesiinae), 11 genera, and 34 species.  Adult sesiids fly in the daytime, and many mimic wasps in appearance.  The larvae bore into the stems and roots of their host plants, and some, such as the Raspberry Crown Borer (above), are considered to be agricultural pests.