Rhogogaster picta 

Records are distributed throughout much of Britain, but very local. There appears to have been a decline in recent years (Musgrove, 2023).

One of three small species included in the Rhogogaster picta group. All three have bicolorous blue-green/black stigma. This species is either parthenogenic or males are indistinguishable from other species. The hind tibia are marked with black at the base and apex. Facial markings and saw teeth are diagnostic (see Benson).

Rhogogaster picta larvae feed on broom. Eggs are lain in a pocket on the upper surface of a leaflet. Larvae nibble the edges of the leaves. The larvae drop from the leaf when disturbed. There are typically four instars in total lasting 25 to 35 days. According to Chambers, after the final moult the larvae may remain on the plant for several weeks before entering the soil where they overwinter without forming any cocoon.

Jump to other Rhogogaster species

Size: 6 - 8.5mm

GB IUCN Status: Endangered
GB Rarity Status: None

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales

Flight period: May to July

Plant associations: Cytisus scoparius (broom)

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

Chambers, V. H. 1950: The larvae of the Broom Sawflies Rhogogaster picta Klug and R. genistae Benson (Hym., Tenthredinidae). - The Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, Fourth Series, London 86(11): 117-120

Chambers, V. H. 1951: The larva and foodplant of Rhogogaster chambersi Benson (Hym., Tenthredinidae). - The Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, Fourth Series, London 87(12): 202-205

Chambers, V. H. 1952: A postscript upon Rhogogaster (Hym., Tenthredinidae). - The Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, Fourth Series, London 88(13): 62

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).