The large rose sawfly is black all over except for its bright orange/yellow abdomen. It is mainly seen in spring and early summer flying awkwardly in search of rose stems on which to lay its eggs. The larvae are seen as a major pest of wild and cultivated roses where they can be seen skeletonising the leaves but they will not kill the plant except in exceptional circumstances.
Common and widespread anywhere there are wild or cultivated roses.
Parks, gardens etc
The larva feed vociferously on roses, both wild and cultivated.
Common
The larvae of the rose sawfly are a major food source for many other creatures and a number of parasitic wasps will lay their eggs in the larvae.
Advanced stage of development
Not Edible.
Has to be the most distinctive butterfly - jagged edge to it's wings, with an orange ground colour and dark markings. It's underwing is mottled brown and has that comma mark from which it earns it's name.
