Euura glutinosae (Cameron, 1882)

EUURA BERGMANNI GROUP

Euura glutinosae (formerly Euura viridissimus) - Green Alder Nematine

Nematus glutinosae Cameron, 1882
Euura viridissima (Möller, 1882)
Nematus viridissimus Möller, 1882

North to northern Scotland. The alder-feeding species of this group is named as Nematus polyspilus by Benson, although he notes synonymy with glutinosae (Cameron). Nematus viridissimus is another commonly used synonym abroad. For the purposes of this review, any British records under polyspilus, viridissimus or glutinosae have been assumed to refer to new glutinosae. Furthermore, Prous et al. (2021) say that separation of females from viridis is unsafe so some of the records may be unsafe in that respect, unless associated with alders. Having said this, a good proportion of the records (recently and older) are associated with alders and it seems that the pattern described by taking the records at face value is probably reasonably reliable (Musgrove, 2024).

Very similar to Euura dispar and Euura viridis both of which feed on birches rather than alders. Examination of the saw or penis valve is required for determination. A largely green and creamy-white species marked with black and brown tints. It has a distinctive, almost white, metascutellum with a central round or elliptical black mark. When viewed from above the supraclypeal area does not project in front of the antennal sockets. The postocellar area is mostly pale but may be marked with a small black spot. The antennae are conspicuously pale below and at the apices.

Euura glutinosae larvae feed on alder.

Jump to other Euura bergmanni group species

Size: 7 - 8mm

GB IUCN status: Least Concern
GB rarity status: None

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland

Flight period: Bivoltine, May to June, July to August

Plant associations: Alnus glutinosae (alder)