Aglaostigma aucupariae

Recorded widely across much of mainland Britain; one of the most frequently recorded sawfly species, helped by it being one of the first to appear each spring (Musgrove, 2023).

Aglaostigma aucupariae is one of two Aglaostigma species in Britain and Ireland. Both species are blackish with a red girdle on the abdomen. The stigma is bicolorous. Aglaostigma aucupariae lacks cream coloured markings on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the body.

Larvae feed on a range of bedstraws. Eggs are deposited into the stems. Growing tips beyond the laying site quickly wilt and wither.

Jump to other species of Aglaostigma

Size: 7 - 9mm

GB IUCN Status: Least Concern
GB Rarity Status: None

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland

Flight period: March to June

Plant associations: Galium spp. (bedstraws)

The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)

References:

Benson, R.B., 1952. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Vol 6, Section 2(a-c), Royal Entomological Society, London

Liston A, Knight G, Sheppard D, Broad G, Livermore L (2014) Checklist of British and Irish Hymenoptera - Sawflies, ‘Symphyta’. Biodiversity Data Journal 2: e1168. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.2.e1168

Musgrove, A.J. 2023. A review of the status of sawflies of Great Britain - Phase 2: The Athaliidae and the Tenthredinidae (excluding Nematinae). Natural England, unpublished