Rhadinoceraea micans

The iris sawfly. An entirely black species often seen flying around the host plant. Very similar to Phymatocera aterrima which feeds on Solomon's seal. In Rhadinoceraea micans the antennae are about twice as long as the width of the head and about as long as the abdomen. In aterrima the antennae are at least three times as long as the width of the head and as long as the whole body.

The larvae feed on water-loving irises.

Jump to information on the genus Rhadinoceraea

Size: 7 - 8mm

Status: Common

Distribution: England, Wales

Flight period: April to June

Plant associations: Iris pseudacorus. (flag iris, and other water-loving irises)

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