Hoplocampa fulvicornis

The abdomen is entirely black except for the apical one or two segments. The legs are entirely yellow. The first two antennal segments are usually clear yellow, though the remainder of the antennae may be infuscated. The stigma is unicolorous, though some individuals have a marginally darker base. The above features are sufficient to distinguish it from the other Hoplocampa species.

Hoplocampa fulvicornis larvae feed on the fruits of sloes and damsons, etc. Adults will visit other blossoms (pear, apple, etc.).

Jump to other species of Hoplocampa

Size: 3.5 to 4mm

Status: Locally frequent

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland

Flight period: late March to May

Plant associations: Prunus spinosa, etc. (blackthorn, wild plums)

The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)

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