Small World Discoveries

HYMENOPTERA > SYMPHYTA > Tenthredinidae > Tenthredininae > Tenthredinini

A fairly large (10-13mm) distinctive, slim species with most of the upper body surface black contrasting sharply with the bright lime-green sides. It is very similar to Tenthredo mioceras, but that species is much rarer and only found on upland moors so, as far as I'm concerned, can be discounted. The females are slightly thicker set than the slimmer males with an entirely black dorsal surface of the abdomen, whereas with the males, the hind margins of the tergites are green creating a banded effect. The antennae are black and slender. The antennal bases, pronotal collars and scutellum and green.

Tenthredo mesomela can be found in various habitats, but is particularly associated with woodland where there is bramble a good herb layer. The species is regarded as both common and widespread, although looking at the distribution data records seem to be particularly in sparse in both the south-west and large parts of the north. Adults may be seen from May to July.