Wasp or Sawfly?

[tigger]

I'm having real problems today distinguishing wasps from sawflies. I can't see if this creature has a "wasp waist" (which is the main way I know of telling the difference), however it does have 2 very distinctive white dots on it's head, and on the side of its thorax. The abdomen extends quite a long way further than its wings, it looks like there is some colour (white or yellow?) on the abdomen, and it has red/black long legs. It also seems to have very thin/long antennae.

It was hanging around the bee/wasp hotel in my garden today. Why would a sawfly be hanging around the bee hotel? Does that mean it's more likely to be a wasp either laying eggs or laying it in the nest of another wasp? (sorry for my ignorance on this - new to wasps!)

Any pointers anyone? Thanks. Jane

[oxycera]

It is a sawfly - a species of Xiphydria. No doubt someone will come along next to append a specific name now the clue's given ('fraid I don't have time.

[tigger]

Many thanks oxycera! Really appreciate your help. Jane

[Jason Green]

Evening all,

Originally Posted by oxycera

It is a sawfly - a species of Xiphydria.

Absolutely fascinating, that. I wasn't going to respond of course, but before reading your reply I just thought about it being a Sapygid or similar. Now better informed I can see the sort of wing habitus and that.

Just when you think you've seen the diversity of them, one comes along and tries to change your perspective!

Take care,

Jason

[tigger]

Love the fact that nature teaches you something new every day! Jane