Dolerus fumosus
Recorded widely across all of mainland Britain, sometimes numerous (Musgrove, 2023).
A smaller, slender all black Dolerus species. Formerly considered as a variety of Dolerus sanguinicollis. However, Lacourt identified it as a seperate species. The mesoscutellar appendage has striations across its surface in fumosus. In females the sawsheath is not dilated in dorsal view and with outward directed curved setae. The penis valve in males is distinctive.
Larvae feed on grasses.
Size: 6 - 8mm
GB IUCN Status: Least Concern
GB Rarity Status: None
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales
Flight period: April to June
Plant associations: Gramineae (grasses)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
- Dolerus fumosus male Credit Andrew Green
- Dolerus fumosus male Credit Andrew Green
- Dolerus fumosus penis valve Credit Andrew Green
References:
Benson, R.B., 1952. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. Hymenoptera, Symphyta, Vol 6, Section 2(a-c), Royal Entomological Society, London
Lacourt, J. 1998: Note sur Dolerus (Poodolerus) sanguinicollis (Klug, 1818) Hartig, 1837. (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae). - L'Entomologiste. Revue d'Amateurs, Paris 54(3): 129-133
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). Natural England, unpublished