Euura variator (Ruthe, 1859)

EUURA PUNICEA GROUP

Euura variator  - Variable Willow Nematine

Nematus variator Ruthe, 1859
Amauronematus variator (Ruthe, 1859)
Amauronematus longidens Lindqvist, 1962
Amauronematus galbiventris Lindqvist, 1960

The identity of Scottish specimens were identified by Benson as Amauronematus godmani but they are not a good match for godmani specimens in Switzerland (the location of the type specimen).

Benson found this species (as godmani) to be 'not uncommon' at Inchnadamph in Sutherland in 1958 (Benson 1959). A further specimen was identified in Lothian in 1999 although the validity of this remains unknown (Musgrove, 2024). Males and females occur in equal number. The colour is dark with yellowish to off-white on the labrum, clypeus, madible bases, genae, around the eye orbits and the pronotal angles. On the legs the bases of the coxae, trochanters, apices of the femora, more or less the tibiae and the bases of the tarsi are also pale. On the abdomen, the lateral faces, sternites and the apical tergite are similarly pale. Males have longer antennae than the females but are similarly coloured and can be determined by the shape of the penis valves.

Larvae thought to feed on Creeping Willow.

Size: Female: 6.0 - 8.5mm, male: 5.5 - 7.5mm

GB IUCN status: Data Deficient
GB rarity status: Nationally Rare

Distribution: Scotland

Flight period: May to June

Plant associations: Probably Salix repens (creeping willow)