Sciapteryx soror
One of two Sciapteryx species in Britain. This species is distinctive and recognisable from the rectangle of orange spots created by the orange tegulae and wing base and largely orange stigmae. The abdomen is black with white stripes.
Larvae are unknown but possibly feed on buttercups.
Size: 6-10mm
Status: Local but widespread
Distribution: England, Scotland
Flight period: April to May
Plant associations: unknown. Ranunculus spp? (buttercups?)
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