Alder Sawfly - Eriocampa ovata
Description
Size 10mm. The adult sawfly has a black head and abdomen and dark orange thorax
Habitat
Around Alder trees
When to see it
May to August
Life History
The larvae are up to 2 cm long and covered in a white powdery substance. They camouflage themselves as bird droppings. The white powdery substance is easily rubbed off and in the final instar, when feeding is finished, the white powder is lost and the larva adopts a pale green appearance. There are two generations each year.
UK Status
Most records come from the south of Britain.
VC55 Status
Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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