Phymatocera aterrima
Benson (1952) described this species as expanding, and knew it as occurring north to Cheshire. This expansion has continued with records now up to Sutherland. It is mostly recorded in gardens, although can also occur in more natural habitats (Musgrove, 2023).
The Solomon's Seal Sawfly. An entirely black species often seen flying around the host plant. Very similar to Rhadinoceraea micans. In Phymatocera aterrima the antennae are at least three times as long as the width of the head and as long as the whole body. In micans the antennae are about twice as long as the width of the head and about as long as the abdomen.
The larvae feed on Solomon's seal and can be very destructive.
Jump to information on the genus Phymatocera
Size: 8 - 9mm
GB IUCN Status: Least Concern
GB Rarity Status: None
Distribution: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Flight period: April to June
Plant associations: Polygonatum spp. (Solomon's seals)
The National Biodiversity Network records are shown on the map below. (See terms and conditions)
- Phymatocera aterrima male
- Phymatocera aterrima male
- Phymatocera aterrima male
- Phymatocera aterrima male
- Phymatocera aterrima Credit Will George
- Phymatocera aterrima larva 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
Benson, R. B. 1953: The northward spraed of the solomon's seal sawfly (Phymatocera aterrima Klug) (Hym., Tenthredinidae). - The Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, Fourth Series, London 89(14): 63
Lacourt, J. 1998: Hyménoptères Symphytes capturés sur névé dans le Massif des Aiguilles Rouges (Haute-Savoie). - Bulletin mensuel de la Société Linnéenne de Lyon, Lyon 67(2): 48-56
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 Natural England, unpublished