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.

Jump to other Dolerus species

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)

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 Natural England, unpublished