Dolerus liogaster
A black bodied insect. Both sexes have entirely red hind femora with tibiae that are almost, or entirely, black. In the similar Dolerus gonager and puncticollis, the red occurs towards the apex of the femora and part of the tibia. Puncturation of the thorax and the sawsheath are very similar to D. puncticollis. This species cannot easily be distinguished from Dolerus schmidti with which it was previously confused. Phenology and genitalia are determining factors.
Associated with woodland. Larvae feed on grasses.
Size: 8-9mm
Status: Rare
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
Flight period: March to May
Plant associations: Gramineae (grasses)
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