Unknown Sawfly larva

[Dogghound]

By far the most flamboyant Symphyta larva ive ever seen. Taken in June last year in my garden which is pretty poor in the way of native plants. This was on a gate near the house, although its so distinctive I thought someone may know it.

Cheers.

[watsthat]

I really wish I could help here, sawflies being a particular favourite of mine. I really need more insect literature. On line info re insects is very limited.

Cheers

Pete

[The Woodman]

Is it a young Dusky Birch Sawfly Croesus latitarsus?

[Jason Green]

Morning Dan,

Yes, very attractive!

Woodman: I have Googled Croesus latitarsus, and it seems that is American in origin (correct me if I'm wrong ), but in searching Google it came up with an old WAB thread: Sawfly Caterpillars?

Anyway, I searched for the Genus on NBN (because the larva looked quite similar - it has a general look of Tenthredinidae to it) ,and subsequently found we have four in the UK it seems. See here: NBN Gateway: Croesus varus grid map

Oh and Dan, it may therefor be important to know which trees you have in your garden or nearby.

Thanks to Woodman for his suggestion of Genus - it looks quite good for it.

Take care,

Jason

[The Woodman]

You're right Jason about the provenance of C.latitarsus and it was just a colour match rather than an investigation at the time of posting!

C.varus / septentrionalis must be in the frame? Nothing for C.s. above the Humber though. Do these larvae change appearance/colour as they grow?

I'll leave it to you more knowledgeable types and I'll be looking at these leaf munchers in more detail this year!

Thanks for the link to the thread - interesting reading.

[oxycera]

Don't know anything about larvae, but C.septentrionalis range extends well into Yorkshire.

[Dogghound]

Sorry for the late reply we have silver birch and pear in the garden. I will look into it. Could have come from the birch I guess, it didnt behave like other Croesus larvae although could have been looking for a pupation site.