Nematus alniastri (formerly Craesus alniasti) - Green Regal-sawfly

One of four Nematus species in Britain and Ireland characterised by the enlarged basitarsal segment. North to northern Scotland, seemingly common and widespread (Musgrove, 2024). This species is shining in the centre of the upper part of the mesopleura such that the punctures are not obscured (Nematus brischkei has fine microsculpture here). The femora are mainly yellow with any infuscation confined to the base and extreme apex. Males are rare.

Nematus alniastri larvae feed on alders and are parasitised by the wasp Excavarus apiarius.

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Size: 7.5 to 8mm

GB IUCN Status: Least concern
GB Rarity Status: None

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland

Flight period: Bivoltine. May to June and July to September

Plant associations: Alnus spp (alders)

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. 2024. A review of the status of sawflies of Great Britain - Phase 3: The Tenthredinidae (subfamily Nematinae). Natural England, unpublished