Diprion pini
The two Diprion species can only reliably be distinguished by the saw teeth and the penis valve since the external features of both are variable. Both species are yellowish with various degrees of black on the head, mesonotum mesosternum and tergites 3 to 6. Diprion pini females have saws with irregularly spaced and sized teeth. The penis valve is only shallowly sinuate on the serrated edge.
Larvae of the two species are easily recognisable and each feeds communally on pines.
Size: 7 - 10mm
Status: Local
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
Flight period: May to July
Plant associations: Pinus spp. (pines)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
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- Diprion pini (Hungarian specimen) Credit György Csóka
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- Diprion pini larvae Credit Ian Andrews
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- Diprion pini larvae Credit Ian Andrews
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- Diprion pini larva (Hungarian specimen) Credit György Csóka
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- Diprion pini larvae (Hungarian specimen) Credit György Csóka
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