- Source: Tenthredopsis scutellaris
Tenthredopsis scutellaris, a common sawfly, is a species of the family Tenthredinidae and subfamily Tenthrediniinae.
Distribution
This species is mainly present in British Isles, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and Romania.
Habitat
These sawflies mainly inhabit hedgerows, meadows, roadsides and forest edges
Description
Adults of Tenthredopsis scutellaris can reach a length of 8.5–12 millimetres (0.33–0.47 in). Thorax is black, with a yellow stripe along the forehead and yellow scutellum and postscutellum. The legs are brown, but the hind legs are black. The wings are clear with brown veins. Sexual dimorphism is not conspicuous, but in males the rear thigh is rather light, while in the females it is dark. Moreover in the females the abdomen is black with a central broad red band.
Biology
Adults of Tenthredopsis scutellaris can be encountered from May through June feeding on nectar and pollen of flowers of Apiaceae species (Heracleum sphondylium). The larvae are polyphagous on a variety of plants, especially on Apiaceae species (Anthriscus sylvestris) and on herbaceous plants (Poaceae species).