Macrophya ribis
Widespread throughout England and Wales, with just one 19th century Scottish record to date. Assessments against all criteria give no reason to consider it threatened. However, a reduction in the last ten years is notable against the backdrop of a general significant increase in sawfly recording (Musgrove, 2023).
Very similar to the slightly larger Macrophya albicincta and alboannulata but in ribis the head has dense, coarse punctures above and on the temples, whereas in the two similar species this area is almost impunctate. A wholly black and white species.
Macrophya ribis larvae feed on elder.
Jump to other Macrophya species
Size: 8 - 10mm
GB IUCN Status: Near Threatened
GB Rarity Status: None
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales
Flight period: May to July
Plant associations: Sambucus nigra (elder)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
- Macrophya ribis female Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis female Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis female Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis male Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis male Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis male head detail Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis penis valve Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis final instar Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis final instar Credit Andrew Green
- Macrophya ribis lateral view Credit John Grearson
- Macrophya ribis head detail Credit John Grearson
- Macrophya ribis tail view Credit John Grearson
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 Natural England, unpublished