Microdiprion pallipes

Mainly black with pale legs. Abdomen shining. The scutellum is longer than broad and acutely angled in front. Claws without an inner tooth.

Larvae feed on pines, especially Scots pine. Small trees up to 1.5m are preferred. Larvae feed in groups on young needles initially, then moving on to old needles. Microdiprion pallipes can be bivoltine in years with favourable weather and the two generations can overlap.

Jump to other Diprionidae genera and species

Size: 5 - 7mm

Status: Rare

Distribution: England, Scotland, Wales

Flight period: Univoltine May to June, or bivoltine May to June, July to August in warmer years

Plant associations: Pinus spp., especially sylvestris (pines, especially Scots pine)

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

Mallach, N. 1974: Zur Kenntnis der Kleinen Kiefern-Buschhornblattwespe, Diprion (Microdiprion) pallipes (Fall.) (Hym., Diprionidae). Teil 3: Populationsökologie. - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie, Berlin 75: 337- 380

Olofsson, E., 1994. Biology and outbreaks of Microdiprion pallipes (Hymenoptera; Diprionidae) in Sweden, Studia Forestalia Suecica, vol. 193, Uppsala