Rhogogaster punctulata explained

Rhogogaster punctulata is a species of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae.[1]

Description

Rhogogaster punctulata can reach a length of 10-. Body and head are bright green. This sawfly bears on the head a black drawing in the form of the Greek letter omega and very small black dots along the sides of the abdominal segments. The black markings on the top of the abdomen are absent or quite reduced. Like other sawflies, this species lack the slender "wasp-waist" between the thorax and abdomen. Similar species are Rhogogaster viridis, that shows evident black marks on the upper surface of the abdomen. Adults can mostly be encountered from May through July.

Biology

They mainly feed on small insects, while larvae are polyphagous, feeding on the leaves of a variety of trees and shrubs.[2] [3] [4]

Distribution and habitat

It is widespread in most of Europe.[5] It can be found along hedgerows and woodland rides.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BioLib: Biological library. Ondrej. Zicha. www.biolib.cz.
  2. Web site: Rhogogaster punctulata - NatureSpot. www.naturespot.org.uk.
  3. Web site: Rhogogaster punctulata. www.commanster.eu.
  4. http://aramel.free.fr/INSECTES14-41.shtml Aramel.free
  5. Web site: Fauna Europaea. https://web.archive.org/web/20141029115852/http://www.faunaeur.org/full_results.php?id=354559. dead. October 29, 2014. www.faunaeur.org.