Metallus albipes
Recorded widely across much of mainland Britain, perhaps more numerous in Scotland than Metallus pumilus (Musgrove, 2023).
Males are unknown. Abdomen entirely black or dark and the legs entirely white. Adults are elusive but prefer shade.
Metallus albipes larvae mine the leaves of raspberry and blackberry plants. Mines similar to Metallus pumilus. Larvae without a black spot under the first abdominal segment.
Jump to other Metallus species
Size: 2.5 - 4mm
GB IUCN Status: Least Concern
GB Rarity Status: None
Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales
Flight period: Bivoltine, May to June, July to August
Plant associations: Rubus idaeus and Rubus fruticosus (raspberry and blackberry)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
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- Metallus albipes larva (parasitized) Credit Ian Andrews
- Metallus albipes larva (parasitized) Credit Ian Andrews
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 Natural England, unpublished