Small World Discoveries

HYMENOPTERA > SYMPHYTA > Tenthredinidae > Tenthredininae > Macrophyini

The species in this genus are closely allied to Macrophya sharing the relatively long hind femora, which are almost as long as the tibiae. They differ though in having much longer antennae that are in the region of twice the breadth of the head, and eyes that converge less strongly towards the bottom of the face. They are also slightly smaller, with this particular species having a body length averaging around 7-8mm.

Pachyprotasis rapae is a black and white species with the body mostly black above, but with white markings on the head and thorax, and extensively white on the underside of the abdomen. On the sides of the thorax below the wing base there are diagonal stripes that are lacking on the similar, although much scarcer, Pachyprotasis variegata. The tergites either have black apical margins or inconspicuous narrow white margins that do not broaden on the mid-dorsal line. The legs are black and white and the wing stigma and costa/subcosta are dark.

The species is common and widespread across much of Britain, although current data shows no recorded sightings at all from either Dorset, Devon or surrounding areas, which is strange. Adults are active from May to July.