Post by nomad on Jul 16, 2016 8:50:36 GMT
The Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae.
Tenthredo scrophulariae is an easily recognizable large Sawfly of the Tenthredinidae family. In Britain it is widespread in England but absent from the south-west and seems to be mostly recorded from the eastern parts of Wales with no records for Scotland. It is found where there are the larvae foodplant Figwort... Scrophularia species.
My own find was along damp rides in an area of mostly conifer plantation which used to be Oak wood pasture. I found the Sawfly in two spots with plenty of Figwort plants that receive the full glare of the sun. Here a few T. scrophulariae were observed crawling rapidly around the vegetation hunting for small insects upon which they feed. The Wiltshire Sawfly recorder told me that finding this attractive species with its wasp like body and orange antennae got him interested in a life long study of these insects. It is good to know that there are many others out there still studying many other fascinating branches of Entomology and all bring them much enjoyment.
Tenthredo scrophulariae. Old Savernake Forest, Wiltshire.
Tenthredo scrophulariae on Figwort.
The flowers of the larvae foodplant Figwort, this is probably Scrophularia auriculata.
Biotope of Tenthredo scrophulariae.
Biotope of Tenthredo scrophulariae, damp woodland vegetation showing Scrophularia auriculata.
Tenthredo scrophulariae is an easily recognizable large Sawfly of the Tenthredinidae family. In Britain it is widespread in England but absent from the south-west and seems to be mostly recorded from the eastern parts of Wales with no records for Scotland. It is found where there are the larvae foodplant Figwort... Scrophularia species.
My own find was along damp rides in an area of mostly conifer plantation which used to be Oak wood pasture. I found the Sawfly in two spots with plenty of Figwort plants that receive the full glare of the sun. Here a few T. scrophulariae were observed crawling rapidly around the vegetation hunting for small insects upon which they feed. The Wiltshire Sawfly recorder told me that finding this attractive species with its wasp like body and orange antennae got him interested in a life long study of these insects. It is good to know that there are many others out there still studying many other fascinating branches of Entomology and all bring them much enjoyment.
Tenthredo scrophulariae. Old Savernake Forest, Wiltshire.
Tenthredo scrophulariae on Figwort.
The flowers of the larvae foodplant Figwort, this is probably Scrophularia auriculata.
Biotope of Tenthredo scrophulariae.
Biotope of Tenthredo scrophulariae, damp woodland vegetation showing Scrophularia auriculata.
