Allantus togatus

This species has been recorded widely south-east of a line between Bristol and York, with isolated records also in Wales, south-west England and northern Scotland. There appears to have been a reduction in observations in recent years (Musgrove, 2023).

In Allantus togatus the fore wing has a dark patch covering the submarginal cells beneath the stigma extending into the middle of the wing. Also in the fore wing, vein cu-a is interstitial with vein m. The body is black with yellowish-white on the tegulae, first tergite and tergites five (or four and five) and the two apical tergites. Legs are black with white on the trochanters, fore and middle femora apices and tibiae. The apices of the fore and mid tibiae and all tarsi are reddish brown.

Larvae feed on various trees especially oaks and sometimes birches and willows.

Jump to other Allantus species

Size: 8 - 9mm

GB IUCN Status: Vulnerable
GB Rarity Status: None

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales

Flight period: June to August

Plant associations: Quercus spp., Betula spp. and Salix spp. (oaks, birches and willows)

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

Liston, A.D., 1995. Compendium of European sawflies (Vol. 3). Gottfrieding: Chalastos Forestry.

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 Natural England, unpublished