ID : Sawfly species.

Andrew C · #1 (**permalink**) 09-04-2011, 08:41 PM

Evening,

I have attached a single image of a probable Sawfly species photographed at Bickleigh in Devon on the 6th April 2011. Sadly it was the only image I could manage before it flew off. I am poorly armed for Sawfly literature and it matches none of the few in Chinery's Domino guide.

Is anyone able to advise on this?

Regards,
Andrew.

oxycera · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 10:19 AM

Never quite seen one like that. This is when a specimen would be handy.

Andrew C · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 03:53 PM

Afternoon John,

Are you able to confirm if it is actually a Sawfly species or could it be something else altogether?

Regards,
Andre.

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew C

Are you able to confirm if it is actually a Sawfly species or could it be something else altogether?

It is a Sawfly Andrew.

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 03:57 PM

Afternoon Andrew,

Yes, a Sawfly. John's studied these in-depth, and so if he doesn't know it must be a good 'un!

Take care,

Jason

oxycera · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 05:44 PM

It may be a colour-form of of something relatively common; on that photo I'm not even sure which sub-group it belongs to...but someone might.

Andrew C · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 06:31 PM

Evening,

Thank you to both John and Jason. In that case it is a pity I do not have a specimen. I was back at the Bickleigh site with the net this afternoon and did keep an eye out for another but no luck. I will keep trying though.

Regards,
Andrew.

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 07:04 PM

Andrew, there is an Aidgap publication (Field Studies Council) about Sawflies which, if you have some good angles of the wings and face, should get you to most sawfly families; although identifying the actual species is often a bit more daunting.

I found it to be an interesting read for a modest price.

oxycera · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 07:06 PM

If at first...glad you've got a net, I thought me and Jason were the only ones on this site that brandished such offensive weapons

Andrew C · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Andrew, there is an Aidgap publication (Field Studies Council) about Sawflies which, if you have some good angles of the wings and face, should get you to most sawfly families; although identifying the actual species is often a bit more daunting.

I found it to be an interesting read for a modest price.

Excellent, thanks Geoff. I shall get one ordered right away. I have enjoyed a few AIDGAP guides especially the Woodlice one but some have been quite hard such as the Land Snails. The Fern Guide is good too.

Thanks,
Andrew.