Empria minuta
The only records at time of writing are of four specimens caught in two Malaise traps at Dundreggan in the western Highlands in 2012. It appears that some uncertainty remains about the veracity of the identification of the specimens however and the presence of this species on the British List may better be considered as yet to be proven (Musgrove, 2023).
Included in the Empria longicornis group along with the species alector, alpina, longicornis, and tridens, all of which are similar. The posterior margins of the pronotum are pale, as are the tegulae to some degree and the basal third of the hind tibia. Paired pale patches on tergites 2 to 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 minuta larval food plant is unknown.
Size: Approx. 5mm
GB IUCN Status: Not Applicable
GB Rarity Status: Not Applicable
Distribution: Scotland
Flight period: April to June
Plant associations: Unknown
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 Natural England, unpublished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.