Iris Sawfly - Rhadinoceraea micans

Description

The adult sawfly is all black and most commonly encountered flying around its host plant, Flag Iris. The larvae feed on this plant but have also been found on other irises.

Similar Species

Very similar to Phymatocera aterrima which feeds on Solomon's Seal. In R. micans the antennae are about twice as long as the width of the head and about as long as the abdomen. In P. aterrima the antennae are at least three times as long as the width of the head and as long as the whole body.

Identification difficulty

adult, larva - when the host plant is known

Recording advice

For your record to be accepted you should describe how you identified this species.

Habitat

Adults and larvae can be seen on plants of the Iris family such as Yellow Flag that grow near to water or in damp conditions.

When to see it

Adult in late spring and summer.

Life History

The larvae feed on members of the iris family, but only on plants growing in damp conditions or near to water. They eat strips from the edge of the leaves.

UK Status

Common and widespread in the southern half of Britain, but there are fewer records further north. 

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known due to lack of records.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - hymenopteran
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hymenoptera
Family:
Tenthredinidae
Records on NatureSpot:
15
First record:
27/06/2010 (Gamble, David)
Last record:
29/06/2025 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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