Small World Discoveries

HYMENOPTERA > SYMPHYTA > Tenthredinidae > Allantinae > Eriocampini

A distinctive red-backed sawfly that is found in the vicinity of alders where its eggs are laid into the midrib of the leaves. The larvae feed primarily on mature leaves taking three to four weeks to develop before the young nymphs drop to the ground and form a cocoon in the earth. Some individuals may emerge as adults a few weeks later whilst others overwinter as prepupae. The species, which has a body length of 5-7mm, is superficially similar in appearance to the smaller Eutomostethus ephippium.

Listed as both common and widespread with a flight period of May to August.