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.
Larvae feed on the fruits of sloes and damsons, etc. Adults will visit other blossoms (pear, apple, etc.).
Size: 3.5 to 4mm
Status: Locally frequent
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
Flight period: April to May
Plant associations: Prunus spinosa, etc. (blackthorn, wild plums)
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- Hoplocampa fulvicornis female
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- Hoplocampa fulvicornis female
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- Hoplocampa fulvicornis female
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