Empria basalis
This species was first recognised in Britain in 2007 when it was discovered at Smardale Gill in Cumbria (Knight 2009). Subsequent records have come from Perthshire in 2010 (Kindrogan, Meall nan Tarmachan) and 2011 (Balnaguard). This would suggest this is an upland species (Musgrove, 2023).
Empria basalis belongs to the Empria longicornis group. The posterior margins of the pronotum are pale. Paired pale patches on tergites 2 to 5 (or 6). The ratio of the antennal flagellae to the breadth of the head, along with genitalia characteristics are needed to confirm the identification of this group. See Prous, et al 2011.
Empria basalis larvae feed on water avens and possibly wood avens.
Size: approx. 5 - 7mm
GB IUCN Status: Data Deficient
Status: Nationally Scarce
Distribution: England, Scotland
Flight period: Assumed May to June
Plant associations: Geum rivale and poss. Geum urbanum (water avens and poss. wood avens)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
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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 Natural England, unpublished
Prous, Marko & Heidemaa, Mikk & Soon, Villu. (2011). Empria longicornis species group: Taxonomic revision with notes on phylogeny and ecology (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae). Zootaxa. 2756. 1-39. 10.11646/zootaxa.2756.1.1.