Allantus laticinctus
This species is known only from three coastal sites in west Wales, following its discovery in 2003 (Knight, 2006). Further survey of similar habitats may reveal more locations. It is worth noting that due to a previous error in the UK Species Inventory (since rectified), a number of records of Tenthredo balteata were incorrectly synonymised as this species, and as a result the distribution map shown is to be treated with contempt until corrections are applied (Musgrove, 2023).
Allantus laticinctus females are distinctive with a black abdomen girdled in red across tergites 5 and 6, and a bicolorous stigma (white basally and dark apically). The mesopleura is uniformly smooth and polished. The hind femora are typically red.
The male ressembles the female but the red girdle is reduced to at most the hind margins of tergites 5 and 6.
Larvae feed on roses in dry scrubby habitats for 20 to 25 days before burrowing into cut stem pith.
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Size: approx. 7 - 9mm
GB IUCN Status: Vulnerable
GB Rarity Status: Nationally Rare
Distribution: Wales
Flight period: Multivoltine, May to September
Plant associations: Rosa spp. incl. Rosa spinosissima, Rosa arvensis and Rosa canina (roses)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
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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
Knight, G.T., 2006. First British records of the sawfly Emphytus laticinctus (Serville) (Hymenoptera:Tenthredinidae), British Journal of Entomology and Natural History, Vol. 19, 193-198
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 Natural England, unpublished