Dolerus varispinus
Recorded widely across most of mainland Britain, as well as Orkney and the Hebrides (musgrove, 2023)
An entirely black species. In females the sawsheath is broad at the tip with curved setae. The mesonotum is shiny with scattered shallow punctures. In the male, the post-scutellum has a weak median carina and usually with rough transverse striations.
Dolerus varispinus larvae feed on grasses.
Size: 8-9mm
GB IUCN Status: Least Concern
GB Rarity Status: None
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
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 varispinus male
- Dolerus varispinus male
- Dolerus varispinus 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
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 Natural England, unpublished