Nematus latipes (formerly Craesus latipes)

One of four Nematus species in Britain and Ireland characterised by the enlarged basitarsal segment. This species is dulled in the centre of the upper part of the mesopleura by coarse, rugged microsculpture so that the punctures are scarcely discernible. Can be difficult to separate this species from Nematsus septentrionalis. In latipes the hind ocelli are as far apart as the distance from them to the hind margin of the head (1:1). In septentrionalis are closer together than the distance to the hind margin of the head (1:1.2).

Nematus latipes larvae feed gregariously on birch.

Jump to other Nematus species

Size: 7.5 to 10mm

Status: Widely distributed

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland

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

Plant associations: Betula spp. (birches)

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