Hawthorn Sawfly - Trichiosoma tibiale

Adult sawfly is an impressive bee-like brown insect with clubbed antennae.

Trichiosoma lucorum is very similar and males cannot be distinguished from T. tibiale, a species which feeds mainly on Birch. There is currently much taxonomic confusion about this genus.

This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted.

Hedgerows containing Hawthorn, though it is known to feed on other host plants as well.

Adult May to July

The powdery white appearance of the larvae is caused by a waxy secretion that they produce at some points in their life. They are unusual amongst sawflies as their cocoons are exposed on twigs and these are sometimes quite easy to spot, especially in the winter.

Occasional with distribution being mainly in the west of England.

Seems to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.