clear-winged moths

6056   I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This photo was recently taken in June 2017 at our local community garden. We have never seen this insect in our garden before. It could be found resting on the leaves of potatoes as well as Shasta Daisies. It looks like a type of wasp, yet we would appreciate having it identified, and also if it is destructive or aggressive. It seemed to be passively resting both times we have seen it. Thank you. Linda

These are clear-winged moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae); many species are excellent wasp mimics. Their larvae all are borers in plant tissues, and some, like the peach tree borer, can be serious pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.