Small World Discoveries

HYMENOPTERA > SYMPHYTA > Tenthredinidae > Tenthredininae > Tenthredinini

One of a complex of four rather similar species with greenish-yellow abdominal bands, but distinguishable by the banding across the first tergite not becoming constricted as seen in either Tenthredo arcuata or Tenthredo brevicornis but, instead, broadening and continuing down onto the lateral face. This feature specifically applies to the females as the males cannot be reliably separated in the same manner and, consequently, should be regarded as an aggregate or species complex. In Tenthredo schaefferi, the fourth member of the complex, the black bands continue down the sides of the tergites rather than ending short as seen in Tenthredo notha, which are yellow-sided, hence their common name. Furthermore, in Tenthredo notha the hind tibiae are black apically, not pale brown.

Tenthredo notha is a relatively common and widespread grassland species, and one of the more frequent Tenthredo sawflies recorded from South Hampshire (VC11). Adults are mainly seen in July or August.

New species added, Feb.25 (v.1)