Description

Body length 15mm. A wasp mimic, this is a black sawfly with pale bands between the abdominal segments, brown legs with pale 'knees' and a brown leading edge to the wings.

Habitat

Normally associated with bracken, on which the larvae feed.

Status and distribution

Widely distributed in Britain, though local. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to July.